HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
Drama
Department Aims
In the department we aim to:
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To help the pupil come to an understanding of him/herself and his/her environment and through this foster tolerance and understanding of other people and their point of view.
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To encourage and improve self-expression
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To develop fluency of speech, self –knowledge, self-respect, self-confidence, self-discipline and self-control.
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To learn to negotiate and to co-operate working with others.
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To develop orderly thinking and an ability to organise.
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To help pupils achieve and understanding of, and satisfaction and enjoyment from, the medium of drama.
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To provide a social and moral training, and to help young people to mature emotionally in preparation for later life.
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To develop language skills.
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To develop the ability to solve problems and to make decisions alone and in collaboration with others.
Staff
HOD
Leah Louise McCance
Subject Teachers
Mrs Leah McCay
Mrs Louise Timmons
Mr Gareth Devine
Miss Michelle McGrade
Mrs Janice McCay
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
The aim of Drama at KS3 is to introduce pupils to drama through practical tasks so that they have an awareness of themselves and their ability to communicate with others. Skills covered include: role play, improvisation, mime, tableaux, text-based work (from page to stage), movement.
Key Stage 4
Pupils who opt for Drama at this level will complete either CCEA GCSE Drama or CCEA Performance Skills - Level 1 in Year 11, Level 2 in Year 12.
Drama GCSE Overview
The course is divided into three components:
Component 1 – Controlled Assessment - Devised Performance (25%)
Component 2 – Controlled Assessment - Scripted Performance (35%)
Component 3 - External Written Exam - Open Book (40%)
All candidates sit the same written examination – no levels or tiered papers.
Component 1
Component 1 requires students to present a devised group performance in response to stimulus material provided. (15%)
All students must produce an accompanying log. (10%)
The assessment is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Component 2
Component 2 requires all students to prepare a group performance of scripted Drama. (35%)
The assessment is internally assessed and externally moderated through visiting moderation.
Component 3
Component 3 is assessed through a compulsory written exam that takes place in the summer of the second year (Year 12).
It lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes, has three questions on a set text (open book).
The exam is externally set and marked and is worth 40% of the overall mark.
Performance Skills
There are 3 units that are all mandatory.
Unit 1: Working in the Performing Arts Industry
Unit 2: Develop technique for Performance
Unit 3: Rehearse and Perform
Portfolio of evidence, for each unit which is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Key Stage 5
Pupils complete a two-year CCEA A-Level in Performing Arts. CCEA GCE Performing Arts specification encompasses drama, dance, and music.
A-Level Overview - This A-Level has four components -
Unit AS 1: Developing Skills and Repertoire
A portfolio, including:
- a summary of research,
- skills audit,
- record of work,
- risk assessment.
- live performance and evaluation
60% of AS 24% of A Level
Unit AS 2: Planning and Realising a Performing Arts Event
Create an event based on a stimulus provided by CCEA.
Produce a supporting document that is split into three sections.
Section One: Historical, Social and Cultural research into their piece which includes style, form, genre, and target audience.
Section Two: Students will analyse a range of live or recorded performing arts events. They will select two ideas for experimentation and implement one of these ideas in their own event.
Section Three: Analyse and evaluate the process of planning, experimentation, and rehearsal.
Performance: Present their event to an audience and external examiner.
40% of AS 16% of A Level
Unit A2 1: Planning for Employment
A record of work including:
Section 1 – Skills and training: Students will research and evaluate training routes linked to their discipline.
Section 2 – How to gain employment: Students will explore and evaluate the impact agents, managers, recruitment agencies, unions and self-promotion has on their discipline.
Section 3 – Employment plan: Students will research and evaluate different jobs linked to their discipline.
Promotional Portfolio: Students will create a CV, headshot and showreel.
Audition and interview performance.
Evaluation: An evaluation that analyses and identifies areas for development
60% of A2 36% of A Level
Unit A2 2: Performing to a Commission Brief
Create an event based on a stimulus provided by CCEA.
Produce a supporting document that is split into three sections.
Section One: a research report based on the historical, social, and cultural aspect of their chosen stimulus and a summary of findings of the funding and marketing of two performing arts companies.
Section Two: summary of findings of one administrative role in the Performing Arts industry and evidence of resources created for their event linked to their administrative role.
Section Three: An evaluation of their role and resources.
Performance: Present their event to an audience and external examiner.
40% of A2 24% of A Level
Careers
The career opportunities are wide and varied. Below are some examples-
Actor, stage manager, arts administrator, Drama teacher, drama therapist, television production assistant, youth and community worker, personnel manager, charities administrator, radio presenter.
Achievements Curricular
We consistently achieve a 75+ % pass rate (A* -C) at GCSE and A Level.
Our students achieve highly in their practical exams at CGSE and A Level.
Our school shows are a huge success and allow our students to showcase their talent to the wider community.
Extra-Curricular
School Shows
Afterschool Drama Club