Drama

In year 7 and 8 we cover all aspects of the new curriculum collaboratively with art and music. These include work on circus, family and friends, the community of Cardiff and the environment. Pupils will develop skills in mime, epic theatre, script work, Greek theatre and voice work.  Drama club takes place after school on Wednesdays. In our sessions we develop drama skills, play games and create performances. Pupils will also have the opportunity to take part in our whole school musical productions, which run annually.

In year 9, pupils will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of drama skills. These include acting, sound design, lighting design and costume and make-up design. We also develop a Theatre In Education performance, which we tour around the local primary schools. Pupils will develop their performance and technical skills in preparation for the GCSE assessment pieces.

Following the WJEC course, pupils will develop both devised and scripted performances, as well as study a play for a written examination. They will explore theatrical practitioners, including the work of Stanislavski, Brecht, Boal, Frantic Assembly and Artaud. Pupils can be assessed on either performance or a technical aspect for their GCSE practical examination.

At GCSE, we follow the WJEC specification. We offer examinations in acting, lighting design, set design and costume and make up design.

The units are as follows:

Unit 1 (40%) – Devising Theatre

Unit 2 (20%) – Performing Theatre

Unit 3 (40%) – Interpreting Theatre

A Level Drama

At A Level, we follow the WJEC specification. We offer examinations in acting, lighting design, set design and costume and make up design. Pupils will explore in great detail the work of theatrical practitioners and further dramatic genres. 

The units are as follows:

Unit 1 (24%) – Theatre workshop

Unit 2 (16%) – Theatre in text

Unit 3 (36%) – Text in action

Unit 4 (24%) – Text in performance

Year 12

Units 1 and 2 are to be completed in year 12. Pupils will develop a reinterpretation of a script, to be performed in a style of their choice. They will study a play for the written examination, which will be explored through both theory and practical work. Pupils will also be given opportunities to see live theatre and develop their evaluative skills. 

Year 13

Units 3 and 4 are to be completed in year 13. Pupils will develop two performances in differing styles, which are to be performed on the same day. One play will be devised, whilst the other scripted. Pupils will study two plays for the written examination. These plays will be explored through both theory and practical work. Pupils will be given the opportunities to see and evaluate live theatre.