Key Stage 3 Drama
Our KS3 Drama curriculum develops students’ confidence, creativity and performance skills through a broad range of practical and collaborative experiences. In Year 7, students are introduced to the foundations of drama, exploring what theatre is, where it originated and how performance can entertain an audience. Pupils learn key drama techniques such as freeze-frame, narration and thought tracking, alongside the traditions of Ancient Greek theatre, Commedia dell’arte and pantomime. Through rehearsal and performance, students begin to build strong vocal and physical acting skills while developing a positive and supportive drama culture.
In Years 8 and 9, students deepen their understanding of theatre styles, character development and devising. Year 8 explores the journey from melodrama to naturalism, introducing the work of Konstantin Stanislavski alongside script work and Shakespeare. Students refine their rehearsal skills, explore character relationships and develop confidence in performance. In Year 9, the focus shifts towards drama as a tool for social change through the study of Bertolt Brecht, Theatre in Education and physical theatre. Students create devised performances in response to a brief, encouraging independent thinking, creativity and collaboration while preparing them for future study in Performing Arts.
Curriculum Documentation
BTEC Award in Performing Arts
Teacher: Mrs C Stopard
The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance) is a practical introduction to life and work of the performing arts sector. Students can develop their understanding of the dance industry and see whether it’s a career they would like to choose as a profession in later life.
Course Overview
The course comprises of three components of assessment: Explore, Develop and Apply. The first two units are internally assessed with the latter being externally assessed.
Component One (30%) – Explore, focuses on the creative intentions of different dance works. This will include discovering and experiencing multiple genres of dance, gaining a variety of dancing skills as well as learning about several choreographers’ style and how they create performances.
Component Two (30%) – Develop, will concentrate on students improving their practical skills and techniques. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a selection of dance workshops, perform to different audiences and reflect in order to improve their dancing abilities.
Component Three (40%), – Apply asks students to work to a descriptive brief where they must use their previous knowledge and experience to choreograph a dance performance which they will later perform to an audience. Students will be allowed to perform and then improve on their routine prior to the external assessment in order for them to gain a higher mark.
Students who choose this course should be prepared to perform regularly in front of their class, teacher and on odd occasions, external audiences.
Assessment and Moderation – Internal Components
Students are given an assignment brief at the beginning of each component and expected to answer the brief through structured research tasks. Students then have an internal period of assessment, where they write up their findings under exam conditions. Work is then assessed by the lead internal verifier. Prior to it being moderated by the secondary verifier within the school.
Teachers must also go through a moderation process which is conducted by Pearson, where their grading and marking of students work is externally verified.
Assessment and Moderation – External Components
Students complete an externally written and performed exam. All examinations are then sent to Pearson to be graded.
Future Careers
Students who successfully pass the course at level two will have the opportunity to study BTEC’s Level 3 Vocational Qualifications – BTEC Nationals in Performing Arts at college level. This in turn will prepare them for entry into the employment industry or higher education.