DRAMA | Markethill High

Drama

Drama is taught to all pupils in Years 8-10 and is an option at GCSE Level.

Teacher of Drama/Head of Department: Mrs S. Hargan

Location: Room 10

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN YEARS 8-10?

Drama Statement

Having adopted Lao Tzu’s belief of:

“If you let me experience, I will understand”

It is hoped that all students, no matter of their academic standing, will acquire and develop skills needed for everyday life within the ‘real world’. These include self confidence, the ability to communicate effectively, work together as part of a part or individually and to develop empathy on a local and international level.

Key Stage 3 Units Include

Year 8

“Starseeker”
“Oliver Twist”
“Acquainted with the night” – improvisation based tasks
“Flour Babies”

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

“The Thief”

Year 9

“Darkwood Manor”
“The Evacuees” – improvisation based tasks
“Across the Barricades”

“Collision Course”

“The Moonstone”
“Bugsy Malone”

Year 10

“Our Day Out”
“Divided City”

“Secrets”

“Bully Boy”
“Lady Macbeth”

“The Arrival” - improvisation based tasks

School Productions

Since joining the staff, Mrs Hargan has directed the following productions:

“Calamity Jane” – November 2008

“Annie” – November 2010

“The Sound of Music” – November 2012

"Practically Perfect" - December 2014

MHS has a dedicated team of staff who give freely of their time to support and assist productions within the school. We are very lucky to have such talented pupils who are so eager to perform in front of their family, friends and local community. The ‘school play year’ is always one of great anticipation, enthusiasm and fun!

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN AT GCSE LEVEL?

Drama is an exciting and unique GCSE which provides pupils with the skills they need for the “real world”. In fact the study of English, History and Literature are closely related and Drama offers a complementary learning experience, reinforcing the rest of the school curriculum. A certain level of practical ability is essential as is commitment to rehearsal whether it is lunch time, after school or at weekends.

In studying Drama pupils will:

develop skills in communication and empathy to become globally functional and tolerant citizens;
explore actions and consequences safely
learn to understand, co-operate and listen to others
increase their self-esteem and oral confidence
have the opportunity to develop their analytical skills in response to set texts
enhance their appreciation and knowledge of drama and play texts.

Pupils will study two units:

Unit 1: Understanding Drama

- Two questions on a set text* (We are currently studying “Blood Brothers”) and one question on a Scripted Performance
- Completed in summer term
- Worth 40%

How Will Pupils be Assessed?

Unit 1: Understanding Drama

- A written exam (1hr 30mins)

- Externally marked

Unit 2: Drama Performance

- Practical assessments on a compulsory element called Scripted Performance and one selected element from the following five choices:

- Devised performance, Improvisation, Dance drama, Mime or Design support

- Worth 60% (30% each)

Unit 2: Drama Performance

- Two controlled assessments

- Teacher set and marked tasks with moderation visit in Year 12

OTHER INFORMATION

Drama Club ~ Wednesday Afternoons

@3.30-4.30pm in the assembly hall!

Trips:

The Drama Department runs a three day visit to London and the most recent visit was in 2013. We hope to be on our travels again very soon! Our time there usually includes -

Two West End Shows
A practical based workshop with an leading industry professional
A visit to Covent Garden
A backstage theatre visit
A flight on the London Eye
A guided bus tour of the city

Drama success/news: The Drama Department loves celebrating the successes of past and present pupils. Recent news includes –