Aim

Year 7 is all about introducing students to a range of theatre styles and techniques and learning how to work in a group, skills that they will build upon as they progress through the course. The course aims to develop performance, imaginative, analytical and collaborative skills as we encourage students to be as expressive and experimental as possible.

Topics covered

• Skills such as freeze-frame, mime, improvisation, whole-class role play, forum theatre, conscience alley, working with a teacher in a role
• Use of music, light and sound in performance
• Introduction to naturalism and realism in performance
• Devising and creating original drama

Teaching groups

There is no tiering or setting. Working groups in lessons are initially self-selecting and then shaped by teachers to ensure a mix of skills and to foster the widest possible collaboration.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and ongoing as students are assessed on the work they do in class, on performances and on evaluation and analysis of their own practical work.

How to support at home

• Discussing your child's drama work will allow students to explain – and to show off – their imaginative and analytical skills. This conversation with a potential ‘audience’ will help to refine these ideas. It is often the case that students who do not feel a measure of personal success, involvement or ownership in some lessons can feel these things in Drama
• Going to the Theatre, experiencing the joy and excitement of live theatre, will inspire and entertain students (and parents/carers)
• Encourage your child to get involved in the Year 7 Drama Club in the Autumn term and the School play in the Spring and Summer term