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 forms and genres, as well as teaching them a wide range of dramatic techniques through topics 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. Through drama lessons students learn about group skills, negotiation and effective communication. 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 sense of self awareness which can lead to developing self-confidence and an understanding of 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 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Little Shop of Horrors .
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 King Lear as part of the Schools Shakespeare Festival. Overall, we provide students with a lively and rolling set of extra-curricular activities. We provide opportunities for students interested in the technical side of Theatre through our technical club and by using student technicians for most of the productions we do.
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. We also complete a Theatre in Education unit for which the students create an issue based performance, the topic of which is decided from discussions with the chosen audience from the local community to whom they perform. This allows students to cater for the specific needs of their community and provide a valuable link with the school whilst gaining an excellent experience in performing outside a school environment.
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, focus and an ability to work as part of a group. Iit can be incredibly rewarding and it is often highly enjoyable, being able to learn in a different and more active environment.
KS5
GCSEs in Drama and English at Grade B will provide a firm basis for Drama and Theatre Studies at Advanced Level. An interest in the subject is essential and previous experience such as involvement in a youth theatre would be valuable but is not compulsory. Students must be prepared to perform within lessons and to a wider audience.
The course aims to broaden experience, develop imagination, foster creativity and promote personal and social development. The emphasis is on Drama and Theatre Studies as a practical, intellectual and artistic subject, with a particular focus on studying plays from the point of view of a director, designer, performer and critic. Students acquire a knowledge and understanding of the language of drama and theatre as well as developing their performing, technical and analytical skills. The A2 year aims to build on the AS year by enabling students to apply what they have learned in their own creative work, in the devising unit. By the end of the course students will have a thorough knowledge and understanding of theatrical forms and genre, of how plays relate to the contexts in which they are created and/or performed, and of the different ways in which plays are interpreted by practitioners and audiences.
AS Unit 1: Explore and analyse two play texts through practical coursework workshops and written coursework; study the ideals of a recognised theatre practitioner; watch and analyse live theatre performance
AS Unit 2: Performance/design within a directed group production of a play text as well as a performance/design of a monologue/duologue from a different play, supported by written work. Performances may take place at the Georgian Theatre Royal.
A2 Unit 3: Devised performance as part of an ensemble.
A2 Unit 4: Written Paper 2½ hours. Section A - Questions on a set text. Studied practically from the point of view of a director. Section B - Question on a live theatre production and on theatre history.
Contact Information
Miss A Southworth - asouthworth@richmondschool.net
Mrs L Moss - lmoss@richmondschool.net or by phone on (01748) 828109
Mr I Henderson- ihenderson@richmondschool.net
The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond