Drama
At FCC we have built an extremely rich and diverse Drama curriculum which provides engaging learning for all students at all key stages.
Key Stage 3
The KS3 curriculum is engaging, interesting, challenging and creative. Students learn key theatrical skills such as the use of voice and movement, script writing, creating atmosphere, acting styles, physical theatre, working in role and much more. This curriculum is delivered via numerous exciting topics such as witchcraft, detective work, pantomime and puppetry. Our KS3 curriculum is constructed to put students in the best possible position for the start of the GCSE course while also developing their wider theatrical knowledge. Each unit has specific skills built in which then build on each other. The SMSC layer of what we do is absolutely essential at KS3 and allows us to tackle important topics and ask young people to question their choices. This also prepares students for exam courses in which they have to consider their performances as an art form which communicates a message that they feel passionately about, including current affairs and historical events. At GCSE students are not assessed on their teamwork, confidence and empathy, all things they learn in drama that make them better people, but they are assessed on their understanding of and ability to create effective pieces of theatre and perform them to a high standard using the relevant skills. It is vital that at KS3 we teach them those skills as well as enhance their understanding and empathy of the world around them.
Key Stage 4
Course Accreditation: GCSE Drama / Examining Board: Eduqas
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 theatre and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. The course will involve taking part in productions, as well as studying plays and theatre styles. The course is a combination of practical performance and theory lessons which are designed to consolidate learning. Students should be independent and proactive.
The course has 3 sections:
Unit 1 - Devised Performance. In this unit, students are expected to create an original piece of theatre from scratch using techniques from a well-known theatre practitioner. They will create ideas, develop a script, design lights, sound, costume and set and perform it all to a live audience. There is also a coursework portfolio of supporting evidence and a written evaluation.
Unit 2 - Scripted Performance. In this unit, students will perform extracts from a professional published play for a visiting examiner.
Unit 3 - Written Exam. Students will study a published play throughout the course and will answer questions on acting, design, rehearsal techniques and directing ideas in the examination. Students are also required to see a piece of live theatre and answer questions evaluating what they have seen in the written exam.
During the course, students will attend theatre trips, participate in workshops, work with A level students and will be given opportunities to audition for specialist projects.
Key Stage 5
Course Accreditation: A Level Drama and Theatre / Examining Board: Eduqas
Our A level course was selected specifically to follow on from the GCSE course and build on existing skills so we feel that students have a coherent Drama education right through from Y7 to Y13. The course demands a high level of practical skill as well as a creative ability to produce original pieces of theatre. You will also be required to write about theatre and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. The course will involve taking part in productions, as well as studying plays and theatre styles. Students will also be required to play an active part of the department by joining our visible leader programme as this will develop much needed directing skills when working with younger students.
The course has 3 sections:
Unit 1 - Reinterpretation performance and coursework. In this unit, students will be given a section of a classic play and will use the theory and practise of a contemporary theatre practitioner to reinvent the play and perform it for official examination. Stdents will create a piece of coursework to explain their process.
Unit 2 - Devised performance, scripted performance and coursework. Students will prepare two separate performances and perform them on the same day for a visiting examiner. One will be an original piece, created by the pupil; the other will be an extract from a published play. Students will demonstrate contrasting styles and skills for this exam and produce a piece of coursework evaluating their performances.
Unit 3 - Written exam. At the end of the course, students will complete a written exam which covers three plays. Currently Trojan Women, Accidental Death of an Anarchist and the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are studied. Students will be expected to discuss these works from the perspective of a director, actor, designer and audience member.
Throughout the course students will see many pieces of live theatre and are expected to enhance their cultural and theatrical knowledge by doing this.
Finally, to add to our diverse and rich curriculum, a variety of extra-curricular opportunities are available including the whole school production in which everyone is welcome to get involved on or offstage. The Shakespeare Schools Festival calls upon our top 30 students across years 8 to 13 to create a piece of Shakespeare work to perform at a professional theatre. An annual Dance Showcase which gives students an opportunity to share their exam pieces and dance work from across the year. We have also set up KS3 Drama and Dance clubs which are very highly attended. Our students also perform in the summer and Christmas concerts as well as many local dance festivals.
These extra-curricular experiences can be valuable for students and many FCC students feel that the dance and drama department is their place in school to feel welcomed, supported, safe and free to express themselves while making new friends and learning new skills.