Drama

What is drama? 

Drama is taught as part of the performing arts in KS3 at HASU and allows students to study a range of performing skills in a practical environment. Drama exists as a standalone subject at KS4 allowing students to learn about different styles of performance and the many elements which combine to create theatre. Additionally, the drama curriculum offers students an insight into the world around us and how to take on the mindset of others, nurturing empathy and understanding. It offers students the opportunity to study and perform the works of established and celebrated playwrights as well as creating their own material to perform.

Why do we teach drama at HASU? 

Drama provides our students with a wide range of key skills. Not only do we build and refine skills associated with performance but also develop confidence, empathy, resilience, organisation and collaborative skills. We also aim to guide our students in understanding the wider impact of drama. This is achieved through experiencing live theatre, reading scripts, devising performance and responding as an audience member.  Drama lessons are designed to offer our students an experience in creating and devising theatre. This hands-on approach means all learners can access the lesson content and contribute their understanding of a topic and their ideas. The different styles of theatre that are studied stretch students in their way of thinking and approaching the world.

How do we teach drama at Key Stage 4? 

Students will have the option of studying drama at GCSE as part of our broad and balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum. Throughout Key Stage 4 students build skills within three components: understanding drama, devising drama and texts in practice. Within these components, students gain knowledge and understanding of different styles of drama and theatre, roles and responsibilities within the profession and how drama is created and performed. Students will also study one set text and consider the impact of social, political and historical elements, the multiple approaches to performing the script as well as multiple aspects of design within its performance.  Students also analyse and evaluate the work of live theatre makers, exploring and responding to examples of live and recorded theatre. At HASU we are committed to exposing students to as much live and recorded theatre as possible, nurturing a passion and appreciation of the art form.  

What exam board do we study at Key Stage 4? 

Students studying drama at HASU follow the AQA Specification. 

This specification can be found here:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/drama/specifications/AQA-8261-SP-2016.PDF