Drama (Year 7)

What will you study?

An introduction to Drama and performance skills where we will learn about how to use voice, facial expressions and body language to name a few. Storytelling and how we can create story for performance using lots of traditional and innovative techniques. We jump back into history and explore how theatre began in Greek Times. We explore traditional Greek Tales such as Theseus and the Minotaur and look at how to create our own devised scenes and mask work. Next, we hurtle forward a thousand years and begin to explore how theatre has shaped the British Isles. From Shakespeare to Vaudeville we will dissect how British Theatre has grown alongside it’s audiences.

Dipping our toe into Cinema, we will have fun trying out the art of mime and comedy through an exploration of the Silent Film Genre. We will even make our very own
film and editing software to showcase our new performance skills. Our final exploration of understanding how theatre has shaped our world, is a project investigating the dramatic potential in the novel, Refugee Boy. Combining our knowledge of performance skills and devising techniques we will learn about the characters, story and setting.

Useful tips and resources

• Visit the theatre to watch a performance live
• Read The National Theatre’s ‘All about theatre’ book
• Read a play
• Attend Drama Club at school or try out a local performing arts school

Watch full length theatre performances via services such as National Theatre on demand, Digital Theatre or free on Youtube. Explore the Globe Theatre online

What super curricular activities can KS3 students engage with at school?

• KS3 Drama Club – At lunchtime club once a week
• Y9 Experts Club – At lunchtime club once a week, starting in the Spring Term
• Technical Theatre Club – At lunchtime club once a week
• The Year 7 Play- Autumn Term
• Y8 Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – One Evening performance in Spring Term
• KS3 Musical – Spring/Summer Term
• The Amphitheatre Night – Summer Term
• Attend the theatre, we love The Rose Theatre, Kingston. The National Theatre. Wimbledon Theatre and the West End.
• Attend theatre workshops in acting, directing, writing, producing.
• Listen to The Wise Children Podcast
• Upper School Play- Autumn/Spring Term
• Workshops throughout the Year.
• 6th Form Musical- Autumn/Spring Term