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Drama - Year 8

Mathematics - Year 7

Click here to return to our Drama curriculum home page

Below you will find more specific information about the curriculum in Drama for Year 8 students, explaining to you what students will learn, when, why and how. There is also information about how parents/carers are able to support students in their learning, extra-curricular opportunities in this subject and how it links to other subjects and the wider world.

Subject Key Concepts              

#1 Professionalism        #2 Empathy       #3 Versatility      #4 Creativity

#5 Theatre is Reflective       #6 Culture and Theatre       #7 Experience and Practice 

Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.

Curriculum Overview for the Year 

Term

Topic/Key Concepts

Specific Knowledge

Specific Skills

Autumn

 

Shakespeare: Heroes and Villains

 

·         Study of Elizabethan Theatre and exploration of a selection of Shakespeare’s plays (Macbeth, Othello, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night).

·         Analyse text to inform performance interpretation.

 

Key Concepts: Empathy, Versatility, Theatre and Culture, Experience & Practice.

 

Habits of Mind: Discipline and Inquisitive

 

 

·         Understand the social and cultural context of theatre in Elizabethan England.

·         Develop a knowledge of a range of Shakespearean texts

·         Interpret characters with an imaginative response to the text.

·         Read punctuation carefully to support interpretation of role.

·         Work collaboratively to prepare an extract for performance.

·         Apply acting skill appropriately for this style of performance.

 

Spring

 

Diversity

 

·         Exploring the different examples of diversity in our community.

·         Focus on the conventions used to create Epic Theatre.

·         Student create their own piece of epic theatre.

 

Key Concepts: Empathy, Theatre and Culture, Theatre is Reflective, Creating and Experience & Practice

 

Habits of Mind: Persistence and Inquisitive

 

·         Understand the many ways people can be different.

·         Using drama skills to explore real-world scenarios that might be challenging navigate.

·         Know the definition of bullying and how to seek support or guidance in the case of bullying.

·         Know who Bertolt Brecht is and identify the theatrical conventions used in Epic Theatre.

·         Work collaboratively to create and perform an original piece of theatre in this performance style.

 

Summer

 

Conflict

 

·         Explore the history of a selection of 20th century conflicts.

·         Focus on the conventions used in Naturalism.

·         Students create their own piece of naturalism.

 

Key Concepts: Versatility, Empathy, Theatre is Reflective, Creating, Discipline and Experience & Practice

 

Habits of Mind: Imaginative and Collaborative

 

 

·         Understand the social and cultural context of selected conflicts.

·         Understand the impact of conflict on all members of a community through exploration of differing perspectives.

·         Explore the ways that theatre is used to tell human stories.

·         Know who Constantine Stanislavski is and identify the conventions of Naturalism.

·         Work collaboratively to develop a piece of drama based on a given stimulus.

·         Apply acting skill to achieve a realistic portrayal of role.

 

Useful documents:

Please click here for a PDF of curriculum overview.

While this information covers a broad range of areas, please do get in touch with the Subject Leader Mrs Spurling if you have any questions.

Please click on the questions below to find out more.

How are groups organised?

Classes are mixed ability.

Students have two hours of Drama in a fortnight.

What characteristics does a successful student have in this subject?

Successful students in Drama will enjoy working practically and imaginatively. Students will be enthusiastic about trialling and developing emerging skills and techniques.

How will students learn at this level?

  • Practising different skills
  • Evaluating the work of peers
  • Watching performance examples
  • Reflecting on your work in a logbook

How will students’ learning be assessed at this level?

Students’ performance skill is assessed formally once every term. Logbooks are assessed for written work and evaluative ability.

When do key assessments take place?

  • Assessment 1: Nov /Dec
  • Assessment 2: March/April
  • Assessment 3: June/July

How can parents/carers support students’ learning?

  • Discuss with you the acting technique of those you watch in films or on television.
  1. They may be able to take you to the theatre and encourage you to consider the conventions you have seen used.
  2. Helping you to learn lines with confidence

What equipment do students need for this subject?

Essential school equipment

How does this subject link to other subjects?

  • English: Using text and literacy skills
  • Maths and Science: Analysis and evaluation
  • PSCHE: Understanding and empathising with others. Anti-bullying

What websites or resources may be helpful to support students’ learning?

https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Shakespeare

https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeares-life-and-times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFBlvWkNEKU

https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-evacuated-children-of-the-second-world-war

What extra-curricular or enrichment opportunities are available for students in this subject at this level?

You can involve yourself in any of the following. Please see the Drama Department to check days, times and venues:

  1. KS3 Drama Club
  2. Technical Theatre Club
  3. School Production
  4. Open Mic Club
  5. The Project

What sort of careers can this subject lead to?

http://www.theatrecrafts.com/pages/home/topics/jobs/

https://www.voicemag.uk/feature/4609/alternative-careers-in-the-theatre-industry

What does student work look like in this subject at this level?

 

How does this subject support a broad and balanced curriculum, meeting the needs of all students, and developing traditional core skills?

  • . Drama allows students to explore the perspectives of others. The year 8 Drama curriculum encourages students to develop empathy and understanding.
  1. All students in year 8 will have opportunity to explore drama. Each project enables students to access the curriculum.
  2. Students will increasingly learn to analyse the work of themselves and others. They are expected to develop discipline and control in all aspects of their study.

How does this subject promote creativity, critical thinking, practice, perseverance and resilience, and making links?

  • .Students are developing work with imagination. They are rewarded for creative work and original thinking.
  1. Students are increasingly developing their ability to critically reflect on their own work and that of others. They learn to analyse application of skill or convention and audience impact.
  2. Students will learn to compromise and work successfully to achieve shared outcomes.

How does this subject encourage enrichment and the development of cultural capital, deep learning, and inclusivity?

  • All students will get to engage with drama. Students will get opportunity to apply their learning to enrichment activities and vice versa. Students will develop an understanding of the discipline of performance.
  1. Students are frequently asked to recall and reuse learning.
  2. Opportunity for contribution from all. Creating a safe environment that allows all students to explore a creative response to differing stimulus material.