Drama is seen as central to a pupil's learning at Heston Community School, in that their personal and social skills are nurtured, their dramatic skills developed and their appreciation of the art of Theatre is enhanced.
Key Stage 3
Every pupil studies Drama for one lesson per week in mixed ability groups. The programme of study enables pupils to develop the basic skills of communication, concentration and co-operation and build self-confidence. In addition to performance specific skill, they study script work and characterisation.
Pupils are set a range of homework tasks in order that their research, observation and evaluative skills are further developed, with a balanced emphasis on rehearsal and written work. Each year pupils have the opportunity to attend a Theatre trip as well as being an active participant in on-site Theatre workshops.
Key Stage 4
Drama is a popular G.C.S.E. option where a very high pass rate amongst students is achieved. The examination board is the examination board is Edexcel. The course is divided into three parts. Paper 1 unit 1 is where pupils will explore a theme looking at materials from different times/cultures. Paper 1 unit 2, pupils will explore a plot. Paper 2 pupils will design a plot to be show to an audience. Paper 1, units1 & 2 are worth 60% with coursework. Paper 2 is worth 40%.
Post 16
AS/A2 DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES
This course offers exciting and challenging opportunities for students to further their appreciation of theatre and develop drama techniques
The AS course is a one year course consisting of 3 units:
Unit 1 - Explorations of Drama and Theatre.
Unit 2 - Text in Performance
Unit 3 - Text in Context 1
The A2 course also consists of 3 units:
Unit 4 - Devising
Unit 5 - Text in performance II
Unit 6 - Text in context 2
Assessment methods vary, from portfolio, workshop performance and written exam.
The A2 Course which follows the AS is also a year long and upgrades the AS to an A Level standard qualification, it is similarly assessed, with a greater element of personal devised work. Students take responsibility for directing their own scripted work, and for their own performance pieces.
Theatre trips, workshops and contextual evaluations are all intrinsic parts of the course.
