Curriculum and Assessment

Autumn

Artaud

• We are introduced to the practitioner Antonin Artaud and his influences on modern theatre. Artaud’s horroresque style links excellently with our chosen stimuli of Grimms’ Fairy Tales. We also develop our use of semiotics, which we explored in year 8

Blood Brothers

• We explore this iconic Willy Russell text through use of conventions and look at the effect of the playwright’s decisions. Here we develop our knowledge of script by bringing the page to stage, combining all production elements. This is an insight to GCSE Drama and is one of the set texts we study

Spring

Blood Brothers

• Continuation of work from Autumn 2

Comedy

• An introduction to comedy through the texts of John Godber. We look at the techniques employed in the genre as well as the performance skills required

Devised project

• Here students are required to demonstrate all the skills and knowledge they have acquired in the past 3 years in a final devised unit of work. This not only is a summative assessment but also introduces those who have chosen Drama as a GCSE option to the requirements of the exam board

Summer

Devised project

• Continuation of work from Spring 2

EoY Test

• variety of different questions based around all prior learning across the year

Autumn

• Ongoing teacher assessments of pupils’ skill levels across all 3 elements in drama (creating, performing and knowledge and understanding) on arrival at Heart of England.
• Practice written PEA paragraphs based around the application of Artaudian style within performance

• Ongoing teacher assessments of pupils’ skill levels across all 3 elements in drama (creating, performing and knowledge and understanding)

Spring

• Ongoing teacher assessments of pupils’ skill levels across all 3 elements in drama (creating, performing and knowledge and understanding).
• Written PEA paragraphs based around the use of characterisation within performance.
• Written Evaluation based around peers performance (following a PEA structure)
• Mid Point Test – variety of different questions based around all prior learning across the year;
  • Understanding key terms such as; character, semiotics, cross cutting, stage directions, abstract vs naturalism, different staging (immersive, end-on, thrust, in the round)
  • Understanding about drama practitioner Artaud

• Ongoing teacher assessments of pupils’ skill levels across all 3 elements in drama (creating, performing and knowledge and understanding)
• Written PEA paragraphs based around the following areas of performance they are creating:
  • Plot and structure
  • Characterisation
  • Style and conventions
  • Staging
  • Technical elements (lighting, sound, costume, set and props)

Summer

• Ongoing teacher assessments of pupils’ skill levels across all 3 elements in drama (creating, performing and knowledge and understanding)
• Written PEA paragraphs based around the following areas of performance they are creating;
  • Plot and structure
  • Characterisation
  • Style and conventions
  • Staging
  • Technical elements (lighting, sound, costume, set and props)
• Written Evaluation based around peers performance (following a PEA structure)

• EoY Test – variety of different questions based around all prior learning across the year:
  • Understanding key terms such as; character, semiotics, cross cutting, stage directions, abstract vs naturalism, different staging (immersive, end-on, thrust, in the round, traverse), forum theatre, spec-actors, gestus, multi-roling, placards
  • Knowledge about the plot, characters and style of the play Blood Brothers
  • Understanding about 2 key drama practitioners; Artaud and Bertolt Brecht

• Assist students with their analytical writing by practicing the PEA This can be done whilst watching a programme on TV or popular West End musical available on YouTube
• Point – pick something about the program/show to write about (the actors voice)
• Example – describe what exactly was seen on the screen (what did the actor say and what tone, volume, pitch did they use?)
• Analysis – what impact did this have in the scene and on you as an audience member?
• Information based around characterisation – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqx3wmn/revision/5
• Students could conduct personal research around; Artaud (style, conventions http://essentialdrama.com/practitioners/antonin-artaud/ )
• Students could read, or research information, based around the play Blood Brothers – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zwt4frd/revision/1
• Students could research/revise information around the theatre practitioner Bertolt Brecht – BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zwmvd2p/revision/1
• Students could watch various online performances (YouTube/National Theatre/Royal Shakespeare) to gain inspiration for practical work in lessons
• Mid and EoY tests – Students will be provided with a revision power point. Parent/Carer could help the students to revise and test them based on their knowledge leading up to assessment week