Drama is taught one lesson per week in years 7, 8. The subject is popular with pupils at all levels of ability.

The school produce a whole school musical on an annual basis. Recent productions have included Lion King, West Side Story and we are currently rehearsing Matilda.

Theatre trips, theatrical visits and drama workshops, form a regular feature of the drama programme of study. Recent theatre visits have included trips to London to see The Woman In Black, where pupils have been fortunate to participate in workshops with cast members at Pineapple Dance Studios and West End Theatres. The department has enjoyed hosting workshops with The National Youth Theatre of Wales in school, along with regular visits to Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama and pupils have gained a great deal of experience from participation within these events.

Drama focuses on a huge range of skill, strategies and techniques in all aspects of group or individual work. All pupils are taught drama in years7, 8 and they may opt for GCSE Drama in Year 9. All lessons are taught in the fully equipped Drama room and there are regular opportunities to work or perform in the school hall. There are also regular theatre trips and workshops for all year groups

In year 7 it is assumed that the pupils are starting from scratch and the focus is on developing a holistic understanding of drama rather than just seeing drama as a means of preparing for performance. The work generally focuses on non- verbal communication, improvisation, building to the Theatre History topic of Melodrama and Greek Drama where they perform using masks.

Year 8 further develop on these skills with the introduction of Script work – analysing a script, performing script and writing their own stage plays. Pupils focus on how to develop characters individually and in groups. They study Medieval Drama, Physical Theatre as part of their Theatre History in Year 8.

Key Stage 4 - WJEC GCSE Drama

TASK One Devised Performance

Candidates will devise a practical performance based on a theme, linked with a practitioner or genre. Candidates may choose either acting or a theatre design skill;

Candidates will complete a written Portfolio and evaluation of their final performance.

UNIT TWO Performance from a Text

Candidates will be assessed on either their acting or a theatre design skill, in a scene from a published play. Candidates to work in groups of between 2 to 5.

UNIT THREE Written Examination

Candidates will sit a written examination. They will be assessed on their ability to analyse one set text as an actor, designer and director.

Externally assessed in May/ June.