Students in year 7 to 9 will study a wide range of theatrical techniques to develop their ability to analyse and perform, not to mention the soft skills that the subject organically provides needed in all professions and walks of life.

• By introducing our learners to the vast styles within theatre allows them to not only be culturally aware of the world and its history but ignites them into becoming deeper thinkers and creators.
• The greater understanding of and ability to perform technical drama conventions/styles accurately promotes higher aspirations in content and quality.
• Pantomime/Melodrama, Naturalism, comedy, sensory theatre, non-naturalism, documentary drama, mask theatre, frantic assembly, Commedia de'll arte, Epic theatre are some of the many styles and genres in which our students excel.
• Themes vary depending upon the group and age as we do believe in a responsive approach to our curriculum. Making the outcome unique and different from wider world issues to fictional tales allows ownership from each student. They are expected to engage in the process of theatre making and react sensitively exploring ideas from discussion to end product.

(EDEXCEL EXAM BOARD)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

You will study all aspects of the theatre and the many roles within: exploring the theatre on, off and behind stage from acting/directing to design elements; you will be challenged mentally and stretched creatively whilst studying two theatre texts practically and devising from stimuli; your analytical skills will become more refined both verbally and through written commentary but most of all you will develop skills needed for your future paths.

HOW WILL THIS BE ASSESSED?

• 40% devising as a performer of designer to create an original piece of theatre in response to a stimulus (assessed portfolio and practical).
• 20% performance from a text or a designer – 2 extracts.
• 40% Written exam:
  a) Bringing a text to life – studied practically. Answer questions on artistic choices.
  b) Live theatre evaluation.

The drama department offers a wide range of extracurricular projects on an annually rolling schedule.

• Shakespeare is produced yearly in one of our many clubs, whether it be in its traditional form or with a more contemporary approach via exploring different styles and methods it always is a massive crowd pleaser and great experience to all involved.
• There are many Drama clubs launched in autumn term where like-minded students of the same year can gather and create platform works to grow in confidence, meet new people and share there love for this artform.
• Opportunity is also given to technical student who want to work not in the lime light but behind, and we nurture the up and coming stage designers, lighting and sound technicians for each project in the making.
• Boys Drama is a massive success in key stage 3 where students meet and devise their own interpretations of stories and plays that interest them. Comedy is the style of choice in this club.
• Drama production is the culmination of all year groups coming together for an event. This year it is working on a new project - the Rock Challenge which is a nationwide competition
• All clubs support classroom learning and bridge the passion of our students into platform events at different times within the academic year.  Ultimately they are a great way for family and friends to enjoy the commitment and talents of our students and celebrate their hard work
• We also have drama leaders at Silverdale who are selected to lead and support clubs to enhance their own skills, experience and passion.
• The annual School Musical production offers a classic Musical theatre school experience. We pride ourselves on an inclusive production of all abilities to a high standard. Students develop their performance skills and confidence whilst making friendships across the school.

A love for the theatre and developing a greater cultural appreciation, with a refined understanding of the industry. This course leads directly into the A-level Theatre Studies and is specifically designed to facilitate post-16 study of Drama. The GCSE is equally valuable as a subject that compliments other GCSE studies. It is recognised as being beneficial to further study of academic subjects; research has found that at Cambridge University “Drama helps students get into law”.

• Edexcel GCSE Drama
• Shakespeare Schools
• Arts Award