Drama and Theatre

Drama and Theatre

Drama allows pupils to explore and make sense of the world in which they live, developing core skills needed for future study and employment.  

For information on our Co-Curricular provision, please visit this page

Pupils learn how to communicate with audiences effectively, become confident presenters and develop their creative intellect. 

The drama department aims to:

  • Offer a challenging and coherent curriculum that introduces pupils to theatrical skills, texts and practitioners.  Skills and techniques are reinforced and extended each year and applied to a range of individual and group performances. 
  • Develop and nurture confidence, co-operation, creativity and independent thinking.
  • Develop and nurture appreciation and enthusiasm for performance art as well as developing pupils’ skills in all aspects of performance, production, analysis and evaluation.
  • Develop and nurture empathy, self-awareness and understanding, through dramatic exploration of the experiences of others.
  • Develop and nurture understanding and interest in the historical, cultural and social context in which drama is created and performed.
  • Offer opportunities for all pupils to be involved in theatrical productions as a performer, a technician, production team, backstage or front of house.
  • Allow pupils access to drama in the wider community through theatre visits, residential trips, performance in external venues and links with other schools.

 

Curriculum Drama

Creative thinking, analysis and communication are central elements of the drama curriculum at Caterham, encouraging the development of key skills that will support learning across all subjects.

At KS3, pupils build foundations in these skills, from improvisation to mime. Alongside their practical studies, pupils learn about theatrical styles and genres, important dramatic practitioners as well as the technical aspects of theatre. There is even the opportunity to explore the world of Filmmaking! The KS3 curriculum is broad and aims to foster a passion and excitement for Drama whilst securing an understanding of key skills and methodologies needed for further study.

In the First and Second Years pupils have one lesson of drama per week. Pupils may choose to continue their study of drama in the Third Year with two or three lessons per week.

Drama is offered at GCSE and A Level. At GCSE pupils have four lessons per week. At A Level, pupils have between six and eight lessons per week.

The Cambridge IGCSE course is split into two components:

Component One: Written examination (40%)

Candidates answer questions on two set extracts from the exam board, and on one of the devised pieces they have created during the course. Externally assessed.

Component Two: Coursework (60%)

Candidates submit three pieces of practical work, with no written accompaniment:

  • Individual performance based on an extract from a play
  • Group performance based on an extract from a play
  • Group performance of an original devised piece

Internally assessed and externally moderated.

This course encourages pupils to challenge themselves personally and creatively. It requires pupils to identify a clear intention and to work together to communicate this successfully to an audience. It requires them to be open-minded and to explore alternative approaches to overcoming challenges. Commitment to rehearsals, the creative process and support for other group members is essential.

Theatre visits and workshops are an important part of the course. Pupils are actively encouraged to visit the theatre and participate in workshops independently, extending their understanding of performance styles and skills.

We follow the AQA Drama and Theatre specification at A-Level.

The A Level course is divided into three components, assessed through a combination of written exam and practical and written coursework. The specification requires students to demonstrate a practical and theoretical understanding of theatre. It demands a high level of commitment and maturity and a positive attitude to teamwork and problem solving. An important element of the course is to experience theatre at first hand, working with theatre professionals in workshops and seeing live performances.

Component One: Interpreting Theatre Written Examination (40%)

Candidates answer questions on two contrasting set texts and a piece of Live Theatre seen. Externally assessed.

Component Two: Creating Original Drama (30%)

Candidates create an original devised piece based on the methodologies of a chosen practitioner. They are assessed on their final performance, and the completion of a Working Notebook. Internally assessed. Externally moderated

Component Three: Making Theatre (30%)

Candidates explore extracts from three contrasting play texts. They are assessed on a final performance of Extract Three and the completion of a Reflective Report. Externally assessed.

STAFF

Miss Gabi Guttner – Director of Drama

Mrs Louise Fahey – Teacher of Drama, Head of Third Year, Inclusion and Diversity Co-Ordinator

Mrs Alexandra Yankova – Teacher of Drama and English, LAMDA Co-Ordinator

Miss Aoife Parr – Director in Residence

Mr John Baddeley- Theatre Manager

 

Back to Academic Departments

discover more about caterham