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Welcome to the Drama Department

Department Vision

The curriculum has been designed to build on pupils’ knowledge from KS3 through to KS4 and KS5

The aim of the KS3 curriculum is to develop the foundational knowledge and skills required for KS4.

The curriculum provides a chronological overview of the history of theatre.

It begins in Year 7 with Ancient Greek theatre and progresses towards more modern forms of anti-naturalistic theatre. In Year 7, students explore the basic skills of drama, including facial expression, body language, spatial awareness, and voice.

In Year 8, students develop their use of drama techniques such as hot seating and marking the moment, as well as exploring forms of physical theatre such as Commedia dell’Arte.

In Year 9, students explore the differences between naturalistic and anti-naturalistic forms of theatre.

The curriculum also supports literacy through the practical exploration of classical texts. In some lessons, there are cross-curricular links with History and PSHE. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills through discussion and reflection.

 

RR

 

 

The Curriculum Leader  Mr. R. Ragazzo and he may be contacted via email enquiries@copthall.barnet.sch.uk

Curriculum

Document Downloads

DRAMA KS3 CURRICULUM MAP

DRAMA KS4 CURRICULUM MAP

Click here for Sixth Form Subjects

Extra-Curricular

The Drama department continues to buzz with life during lunchtimes and after school hours. We run internal Drama clubs for Key Stage 3, extension sessions for our KS4 students and a range of rehearsals and intervention sessions for our examination candidates to ensure that they reach their full potential.

Current extra-curricular includes:

  • Drama club will prepare students for the Winter and Summer shows. 
  • Facilities: Rooms 54 and 40.

 

Throughout the academic year we run a variety of trips to see a range of theatre. Trips are aimed at complementing the curriculum and offering the pupils first-hand experience of seeing a live performance.

Careers & Employment

* coming soon *

Recommended Reading

General advice to all Key Stage 4 & 5 pupils

In order to extend their understanding and repertoire of Drama and Theatre, pupils should endeavour to see as much theatre as they can. This does not have to be expensive. Many theatres offer heavily discounted tickets to young people. Below are some links for theatres that support and encourage young people’s attendance by offering discounted schemes:

There are a range of useful resources available to our students on line, some of the most interesting websites to visit include:

Additional websites / resources that may prove to be useful include:

Facilities

The Drama department boasts three practical spaces within the school:

  • Hut 68 – a large, ‘black box’ style studio space which is equipped with stage lighting and the department’s costume and prop store. This studio allows students to work in a generous rehearsal space and is also used an intimate performance space for internal showcasing of work.
  • Room 44 - is the stage of the school’s main hall. This boasts a lighting rig and black out curtains, allowing for very intimate performances and small group rehearsals.
  • Room 47 - is the department’s smallest rehearsal space, which is mainly used by sixth form groups. Another ‘black box’ studio which is ideal for small groups to work practically in.

All Drama studios have access to theatre lighting, music and stage blocks and boxes. These facilities enable our students to work creatively as actors and directors.

Due to the physical nature of the subject and to ensure the safety of all pupils, girls are expected to be in bare foot / indoor shoes for all Drama lessons. Shorts should also be worn under the uniform skirts to allow the pupils a full range of movement.