Aim

In Year 9, we prepare students for the increasing rigour and challenge of GCSE, so that all students have an idea of GCSE work and grounding in the skills required, before they choose their Key Stage 4 options. There is a greater onus on students to build upon their own ideas and work autonomously.

Topics covered

Students gain experience and understanding through:

• Exploring different styles and genres of theatre: Naturalism and realism, ensemble theatre, comedy, puppetry and physical theatre
• Exploring and performing a range of play texts
• Devising and performing their own original performance pieces
• Rehearsal techniques – role-on-the-wall, blocking and creating technical plans, hot-seating, thought-tracking, units and objectives and actioning

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, performance work and 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 9 Drama Club in the Autumn term and the School play in the Spring and Summer term