Academic Departments
Drama
In drama at Abbey Gate College, pupils take part in lively physical action and dynamic learning.
Key aims of the department are;
- Engage pupils in lively physical action and dynamic learning.
- Aid pupils to develop skills in dramatic techniques to explore ideas, issues, texts and meanings.
- Enable pupils to appreciate how the structure and use of theatrical elements contributes to dramatic effect on an audience.
- Empower the ability to evaluate performances critically.
Curriculum
The Year 7, 8 and 9 Drama curriculum covers the key areas of;
- Responding to dramatic material e.g. analysing and discussing potential stimuli such as scripts, music, poetry, social issues and art.
- Creating drama e.g. adapting and crafting dramatic techniques such as voice, movement, atmosphere, setting, timing, choreography and costume.
- Performing drama e.g. demonstrating the practical application of dramatic techniques in front of an audience.
- Evaluating e.g. the critical appraisal of all aspects of dramatic techniques in a fair and constructive manner.
GCSE Drama
In GCSE drama, pupils will;
- Perform a live version of an extract from a play.
- Devise and perform an original live piece of theatre.
- Analyse a play.
- Understand and analyse live performance.
Assessment - Written exams comprise 40% of the GCSE. Practical exams comprise 60% of the GCSE
GCE A Level Drama and Theatre Studies
AS Level pupils will;
- Perform a live version of an extract from a play.
- Analyse a play.
- Understand and analyse live performance.
A Level pupils;
- Devise and perform an original live piece of theatre.
- Analyse two plays.
Assessment - Written exams comprise 60% of the A Level marks (30% of the AS). Practical exams comprise 40% of the A Level marks (20% of the AS).
Rooms and Resources
Drama and Theatre Studies is taught in the school Lecture Theatre with multimedia and lighting and sound facilities.
Extra Curricular/Educational Visits
As part of their studies GCSE and GCE pupils regularly view professional theatre performances each term and attend workshops with directors and theatre companies in venues such as London and Stratford-Upon-Avon.