What will students be studying in Drama this year?
Throughout Key Stage 3, students build on the drama skills they develop in previous years. They will be exploring different drama techniques and forms and working in both improvisation and scripted drama. Schemes of work will include looking at Melodrama, Shakespeare, Comedy and Abstract work. They will continue to build their confidence, communication and team building skills, as well as learning about drama history and acting styles.
What are the major assessments this year?
Each term students will complete a practical assessment that will test them on their skills of voice, movement, character and team work skills. This will be practical and in groups. It will vary from scripted extracts to prepared improvisations.
What will the current performance grade be based ?
The grade will be based on practical assessments and ongoing class practical work.
What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in the subject?
Take the courage to chat to her teacher, we are here to help and encourage. We can support with a positive learning conversations which will help to build her confidence.
We can also set achievable targets together. It is important that the students feel comfortable and relaxed in a drama environment so that confidence and creativity can grow.
How can I support my daughter?
Find out if drama is something she is really interested in and enjoys, you may already be aware of this through primary school or extra school productions and drama groups she has been involved with. Encourage her, time permitting, to try and get involved with extra-curricular drama activities, this may be drama clubs or taking part in a school production.
Reading plays can really help and of course seeing productions (Although this tends to get expensive!). If your daughter is someone who feels unconfident in drama, try and encourage her to take part and be brave- this can often be a difficult hurdle, but practice can help and acting is all about pretence – about becoming someone else, it can really help to build confidence and self-esteem.
What kind of independent work should my daughter be completing?
There will not be drama homework every week, however, there may be preparation activities that she needs to do for the lesson, this may include ; research, writing a script, learning lines or planning a group rehearsal.
Who can I contact for further advice and information?
Please feel free to contact the Head of Drama, Mr Stokes, on mstokes@newsteadwood.co.uk and I shall try to answer your queries.