Drama

Aims/Objectives

Drama in the middle school is designed to fulfill several aims. First of all, to encourage a love of all things dramatic. Through games the child co-operates and understands rules and team work. Through solo and group drama work the child becomes more adept at: speaking/discovering the voice, using the physical body, considering the elements of theatre and understanding social-political issues. S/he is encouraged to see what in life is universal and what connects us.  

Drama is about life and the drama teacher holds up a mirror so that they may see themselves and others more and more clearly. Performance is a key element and students are reminded of this possibility. They are also encouraged to watch and comment on the performance of others. It is hoped that MS students will continue on into IGCSE Drama. And if they do not the intention is to have left them with greater confidence and awareness.

Skills

Each year group has two sessions of Drama. Each session revolves around a theme or topic. Students will be able to: read play-text, devise a scene and work with others. S/he will understand the use of: tension, space, props, movement and mime. Through improvisation the student will be able to use: imagination, thought and non- thought. Each year builds on the skills taught in the previous year.

Assessment

The skills above are assessed against the Drama criteria. They are:
[a] rehearsal/preparation  [b]devising [c] performance  [d] reflection

Rehearsal work is: a. observed b. observations recorded c. teacher and peer critiqued
d. formally assessed

Practical work is assessed ‘live'. Assessment includes a range of targets, e.g. speech, spatial awareness, role development. Physical and verbal skills are assessed. Assessment may be informal during the process of the work and move to formal after the performance.

Course Descriptions

Grade 6 Drama

Grade 6 units revolve around creative movement and performance poetry. Work includes the use of prop, language, symboland body sculpture. Solo, pair and group structure is created. Ways of devising and improvising are taught and practiced.

Grade 7 Drama

Grade 7 units revolve around storytelling, ritual and puppetry. Work includes the use of costume, prop, language, symbol and mask. There is space for the chaotic, the imaginative and the magical. Solo, pair and group structure is created. Ways of devising and improvising are taught and practiced.

Grade 8 Drama

Grade 8 units revolve around docudrama and clowning. Work includes the use of costume, prop, language, symbol and mask as a focus. Solo, pair and group structure is created. Ways of devising and improvising are taught and practiced.