| Unit | Content |
|---|---|
|
Unit 1 Public Speaking |
This unit introduces students to the drama studio environment. Students focus on working effectively in small groups and individually as they prepare to present a short talk to the rest of the class. The skills this activity requires are developed on a lesson-by-lesson basis, focusing sequentially on body language, use of voice, topic choice, engaging the audience and dealing with nerves. Students have free rein over their choice of topic and are encouraged to choose something they are enthusiastic about, in order that they can pass on their enthusiasm to the audience. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively throughout the unit by the teacher and through feedback from peers. Students receive summative, written feedback from the teacher following the final performance. |
|
Unit 2 Pantomime and Commedia dell'arte |
This unit develops students' character skills in two contexts: the British pantomime tradition, and a parallel form from 16th century Italy, the commedia dell'arte. Students build on knowledge developed in their first unit, further strengthening character skills such as facial expression, use of body language, use of voice, movement and gesture. They learn to create fully developed characters using these fundamental building blocks. Students explore the stylistic features of the two key theatrical forms, and work together to devise a performance that showcases their skills as well as their knowledge of relevant stylistic features. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively throughout the unit by the teacher and through feedback from peers. |
|
Units 3 & 4 Children's Stories |
This unit is designed to develop students’ creativity, their knowledge of character and narrative constructs, and their ability to work creatively with others over an extended period of time. Students explore a range of children’s stories, building their understanding of storytelling devices such as character, conflict, plot and setting. They encounter the concept of a narrative arc and learn other elements of successful children’s stories such as the use of rhythm and rhyme. Having analysed a number of examples of successful storytelling, they create their own story and, in conjunction with the Art Department, write, design and perform a new story book for young readers to enjoy. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively throughout the unit by the teacher and through feedback from peers. |
|
Units 5 & 6 Matilda |
Students build on the character skills they developed in the previous unit in the context of this first set of script-focused activities. Roald Dahl's Matilda is a fun and accessible work, which allows students to concentrate on important elements of drama. Students experiment with a range of skills including aspects of physical theatre. Matilda provides an opportunity for students to work in a group for an extended period of time and to engage fully with a challenging and fun project. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Students benefit from immediate oral feedback from the teacher in lessons. They receive peer feedback and have the opportunity to assess themselves according to established criteria. Finally, students receive written feedback from the teacher following each group performance. |
