Drama

Intent

We hope to equip all our young learners with an exciting and culturally enriching curriculum by giving them the knowledge, understanding and confidence to succeed and empathise with others. All Students should develop an appreciation for performing arts at Meridian.

Learning hours

Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

In Key Stage 3, students will develop their understanding of character creation and performance, learning how to bring characters to life on stage. They will also become familiar with key Drama terminology and techniques, which are essential for communicating ideas effectively in the context of a performance. As they explore the wider concepts that surround Drama and productions, students will gain insight into the collaborative nature of theatre and the various components that contribute to a successful performance. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of theatre in all forms and roles, including the different responsibilities that contribute to the production process. Students will also be introduced to key Drama practitioners, whose work has influenced modern theatre.

In Key Stage 4, students will build on their foundational knowledge by learning the roles and responsibilities of actors, designers, and directors. They will explore in more detail the key drama theories and practitioners, examining how these ideas shape performances. Working with a range of stimuli, students will have the opportunity to build and develop their own performances, experimenting with different techniques and creative approaches. To document their creative process, students will create devising logs to show the progression of their work and provide evaluations of their decisions and outcomes.

As students continue their studies, they will analyse the contexts that have informed playwrights' decisions, deepening their understanding of how historical, social, and cultural factors influence the writing and production of drama. In addition, students will have the opportunity to perform a scripted piece of drama, demonstrating their ability to bring a written text to life through performance. This comprehensive approach allows students to engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of Drama, preparing them for further study or a career in the performing arts.

5 year learning journey

 

Specification

Eduqas GCSE Drama Specification- Link

Specification Summary 

Careers

Drama enhances students' artistic and creative abilities and gives them a better understanding of themselves and their world. Drama fosters self discipline, confidence and team work and develops skills in interpreting, researching, negotiating, problem solving and decision making.

• Actor
• Director
• Producer
• Playwrite
• Stage manager
• Choreographer
• Theatre designer
• Radio personality 

Extra curricular opportunities

• Musical Theatre Personal Development Lesson
• Singing and Music creation Personal Development Lesson
• Choir
• Musical Workshops with London
• Theatre Companies
• BRIT School Workshops
• Theatre Trips to West End Musicals such as Les Miserables, Matilda, Lion King, Come Alive, Tina Turner and SIX
• Careers in Theatre experiences

 

Useful websites to support learning 

Website	How it supports students
Eduqas GCSE Drama	The official examination-board website, providing the specification, past papers, mark schemes, assessment information and key documents.
Eduqas Digital Resources	Free resources including knowledge organisers, set-text materials, design tools and activities covering acting, staging, lighting, sound, costume and devising.
Eduqas Exam Walk Through	Guides students through the written examination using past questions, practical advice and explanations of how to approach different question types.
Eduqas Set-Text Resources	Student-focused support for Component 3 set texts, including background information, context and approaches to interpreting the play. Students should select the text studied by their school.
Eduqas Online Exam Review	Provides examination questions, mark schemes, examiner comments and examples of student responses. Particularly useful for understanding what examiners expect.
Save My Exams – Eduqas Drama	Specification-matched revision notes, practice questions, examiner guidance and past papers. Some resources require a subscription.
Quizlet – GCSE Drama	Useful for learning theatrical terminology, performance skills, design vocabulary and set-text knowledge through flashcards and quizzes. Teacher-approved sets are recommended because many are created by users.
GCSE Drama Revision Videos	Videos explaining examination timing, rehearsal techniques, written responses and how to approach Eduqas Drama questions.
BBC Bitesize Drama	Accessible explanations of performance skills, devising, theatre roles, staging and design. It is useful for general understanding but is not always specific to Eduqas.