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Welcome to the Dance and Drama department
Subject Definitions
Drama
The effective use of communication skills and Performance to portray different characters, situations and themes.
Dance
The human condition expressed through movement for symbolic or aesthetic purposes.
Subject Staffing
Head of Department: Mrs Samantha Hastings
Dance and Drama and our CARES Values
Courage
We work hard on our courage to enable us to perform practically in front of an audience
Aspiration
We work together to ensure students strive to improve their performances and become the best version of themselves
Respect
In Dance and Drama we learn to build up a supportive and encouraging environment to enable us to thrive, this comes from mutual respect
Equality
Everyone in Dance and Drama has a voice and is given equal opportunity to express themselves
Self control- We learn how to become responsible for our own learning and to regulate our emotions in order to communicate effectively
KS3 Overview
Drama Vision
Through Drama we aim to create high level performers who:
- have a passion for all types of performance
- will be creative and imaginative
- show empathy
- have excellent communication skills
- be aware of other peoples thoughts and feelings
- have been exposed to many different styles of performance and issues from all over the world
Rationale
- This means our students will be access exam syllabus work and be successful in these.
- They will have a set of transferable skills.
- The will learn to power of hard work and determination.
What a dramatist at HHS looks like
- They have an interest and appreciation for all types of performance.
- They can perform a wide range of characters showing high levels of technical and performance skills.
- They are creative and imaginative.
Drama aims
- All students involved on all tasks.
- Everyone has a voice.
- Everyone will be able to communicate ideas.
- Everyone will be accountable.
- Everyone will be passionate about performance.
| Concepts | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Effective communication skills Styles Scripted work Devising theatre |
Basic skills Pantomime Short extracts and one full play Short pieces, skill based |
Skills in practice Theatre in Education Modern issue based play Issue based pieces |
Extended skills Stanislavski and Naturalism Duologues and comedy play Using Brecht |
Applying extended skills Combined arts In depth analysis of a play Devised exam piece |
Consolidation of skills Application of styles Extracts for examination Using devising to deepen understanding |
KS4 Overview
Course title: AQA GCSE Drama
Course Overview: This is a dynamic course which follows the AQA GCSE Drama syllabus. Students will develop not only their acting and performance technique but will gain confidence and life skills. Students will work as a whole group, small groups and as individuals.
Key Areas of Study:
- Acting techniques
- Live theatre
- Styles of theatre
- Theatre history
- Set texts
- Multiple performance opportunities
Assessments:
- External Written Exam: Understanding Drama (40%).
- Internal Practical Performance Exam: Devising Drama (40%).
- External Practical Performance Exam: Texts in Practice (20%)
Course Length: 2 Years
Progression to: A Level Drama and Theatre Studies
Extra-Curricular Activities: Annual school production
Trips: Theatre visits at least one per term
Facilities:
- Drama studio
- Dance studio
- Theatre
KS5 Overview
Course title: Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Performing Arts
Course Overview: This exciting course covers all aspects of performing arts. We specialise in dance but all areas of performance skills will be covered. Student will perform at least once every term.
Key Areas Of Study:
- Tap, modern and classical ballet technique
- The performing arts business
- How to put on a performance
- A range of styles of theatre
- Musical theatre history
Assessment:
- Unit 1 - Portfolio
- Unit 2 - Portfolio
- Unit 3 - Portfolio of performance planning
- Unit 4 - Portfolio
- Unit 17 - Performance of Musical Theatre piece
- Unit 37 - Performance of Dance piece
Course Length: 2 years
Progression to: Higher Education in Performing Arts related courses
Extra-Curricular Activities: Annual school production
Trips: Theatre visits at least one per term
Facilities:
- Drama studio
- Dance studio
- Theatre
Dance Vision
Through Dance we aim to create confident performers who:
- have an appreciation for all types of theatre,
- can communicate well
- can work as a team
- has accountability
- knows how to stay fit and well
- have been exposed to a wide range of cultures in order to understand the world around us.
Rationale
Dance is a universal art form that has been used for thousands of years to communicate ideas, stay fit, for enjoyment, and to build community spirit. We aim to show how this is still relevant today and hope to inspire the next generation of creative minds.
What a dancer at HHS looks like
- They have a desire and passion for performance. They want to improve.
- They will be confident.
Dance aims
- To be all inclusive.
- Have an ethic of hard work and perseverance.
- To promote self belief and creativity.
- To build strong relationships.
| Concepts | Year 7 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Technical dance skills Performance skills Styles Dance History |
Intro to dance skills Intro to choreography Intro to different styles Links to styles studied |
Mastery of basic skills One set performance with two routines Musical Theatre styles Dance on film |
Extended skills Two set performances with two routines Ballroom and modern styles Development of dance |
Mastery of extended skills Two set performances with ownership of routines Contemporary, Broadway and Fosse Musical Theatre development |
Enhanced Provision
Every student in the school has the opportunity to take part in two school productions each year. One Large scale Musical Theatre production and one Drama performance. No experience is necessary to be involved. Rehearsals take place after school.
Students will build up their confidence, have lots of fun and be part of a team that can lead to life long friendships.
Previous School Productions include – Beauty and The Beast, Oliver!, We Will Rock You, Hamlet, The Tempest, and many of our own variety performances.
