Richmond School
School Departments | Drama
KS3
Drama is taught to all students in Years 7 to 9 at Richmond and students then have the option to study Drama at both GCSE and A/AS Levels. We aim to give students a wide range of experience of theatre arts and history, as well as teaching them a wide range of dramatic techniques that will help students explore issues relevant to them and the wider curriculum.
Drama is an art form, a practical activity and an intellectual discipline. It encourages students’ artistic creativity and involves the understanding of form, genre and style. It also involves the creation of imagined characters and situations, which are enacted within a designated space.
It plays a vital role in the development of students’ empathetic skills and sensitivity, as it allows individuals to explore person-to-person experiences and how they might express thoughts and feelings in different situations. In both its academic and extra-curricular forms it allows students to develop increasing self-confidence and helps them realise how they can achieve beyond what they may have initially believed was possible. Although it is not alone in the academic disciplines in allowing students insights into their own lives and those of others, it further benefits them by allowing students to transcend the “roles” they play in daily life, as they are offered the opportunity to take on different roles and experiment with new models of behaviour. This is why its place in the curriculum is essential, as it is invaluable as a learning tool to further students’ sense of self and regard for others.
We have an invaluable relationship with the Georgian Theatre in Richmond, where many of our A and AS Level lessons are taught. Students also do their coursework and exam performances in the theatre. Students get the opportunity to work with a wide variety of professional artists at different points in their school career, as well as the opportunity to take part in extra curricular clubs and performances. Recent productions have included ones as varied as Animal Farm and Joseph.
Students can take part in Drama clubs and productions at Key Stage Three, including ones done in conjunction with our partners at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond. We run a Physical Theatre group that Years 11 to 13 can be involved in. This year we also have students from Years 8 to 11 involved in a production of A Winter’s Tale as part of the Schools Shakespeare Festival. Overall, we provide students with a lively and rolling set of extra-curricular activities.
KS4
This is a practical course, with a small, but important, written element. It aims to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of Drama as an art form. Students will be required to develop the following skills:
• Acting and design skills
• Communication and group working skills
• Creative and improvisation skills
• Evaluative and analytical skills
In practical lessons, students will use drama forms to explore a wide range of ideas, issues and themes. Sometimes students will use scripts and at other times they will improvise or devise original work.
Integrated into the course is the opportunity for students to develop their understanding of the history of theatre, study set plays and to develop a knowledge and understanding of set, costume, make-up and lighting design. As they progress, students will keep written notes on their practical work and on what they have learned.
Drama GCSE is designed to encourage students to develop their practical skills and enhance their appreciation of Drama and Theatre Arts. It is not just about acting, as students will study all areas of theatre, including the technical aspects of performance. Drama is hard work and requires real discipline and focus. However, it can be incredibly rewarding and it is often highly enjoyable, being able to learn in a different and more active environment.
KS5
It is useful to have taken Drama at GCSE level but not essential. You need to be curious about issues and ideas and have a creative instinct for communicating your views through drama. You may be keen on acting, writing or on the visual and technical side of theatre and wish to develop your skills in some or all off these areas. Equally you will be interested in going to the theatre to see plays performed by different theatre companies.
The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or production role. You will also be required to write about drama and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays and playwrights. Practical sessions will take place at The Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, and the Drama Studio. The course performances will take place in the professional surroundings of the Georgian Theatre.
AS Unit 1: Exploration of drama and theatre – 30% (15% of A2)
AS Unit 2: Text in performance – 40% (20% of A2)
AS Unit 3: Text in context – 30% (15% of A2)
This unit takes the form of a 2 hour written exam – you will answer two questions
A2 Unit 4: Devising – 20%
A2 Unit 5: Text in Performance – 15%
A2 Unit 6: Text in context – 15%
This unit takes the form of a 2½ hour written exam – you will answer two questions
Contact Information
Miss A Southworth - asouthworth@richmondschool.net
Mrs L Moss - lmoss@richmondschool.net or by phone on (01748) 828109
The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond