Speech and Drama

Course summary

Students will take part in regular acting and drama lessons in which they will be prepared for the performing arts industry by performing regularly to live audiences. This course is equivalent to one A-Level. The coursework, assessment, and exams consist of: • Research projects • Workshops • Rehearsals • Performances • Dance diary/log book/target setting/skills audits Investigating Practitioners’ Work (Exam unit): Students will study two practitioners across the space of 6 weeks. The exam paper will give the students a theme and the students must link these two practitioners to the theme in an essay-based format under controlled conditions. Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance: Students will study two performance pieces; 1) a pantomime and 2) Students will study, rehearse, and put on a scripted play. Students will put the play together and perform to an audience. Students will keep regular diaries, setting short and long-term targets. Group Performance Workshop (exam unit): Students will be given a stimulus and have to work in groups of 5 – 7 to devise a performance based on a given stimulus (from the exam paper). Students will write about their journey of devising. Acting styles: Students will study a range of drama practitioner styles over some time. They will be required to research three practitioners in detail as well as choose a performance style to focus on. They will produce either a devised performance or an existing piece of repertoire in the chosen style. Musical theatre: Students will take part in the school’s annual production. This unit will also include a musical theatre research project and regular target setting and reviewing. Students also have the opportunity to extend their learning by taking on LAMDA exams which can earn them extra UCAS points in acting, musical theatre, and/or Public speaking. This is at an additional cost.