Ms C Perera, Head of Drama	chanika.perera@southfieldsacademy.com
Mr D Whitfield	david.whitfield@southfieldsacademy.com
Mr R Hurst	ryan.hurst@southfieldsacademy.com

Drama

Explorative schemes of work focus on clear artistic intentions that explore social and political issues in the wider world as well a foundational introduction to key theatre practitioners.  The expressive arts programme of study draws upon cross curricular links with P.S.H.E, History and English, encouraging and developing a range of interpersonal skills, and presentation skills.  Our schemes of work foster empathy, imagination, confidence, cooperation and thinking/problem solving skills.  Students will study topics such as asylum seeking, discrimination based on race, gender and homosexuality and also the dangers of drunk driving. As well as this the students will learn specific performance skills such as mime, theatre in education, forum theatre and practitioners such as Stanislavski, Brecht and Boal.

What to expect in Key Stage 3 drama lessons;

• Practical workshops and lessons
• Structured rehearsals (This will happen in lessons for now)
• Explorative schemes of work with a clear artistic intention that explore social and political issues and the wider world
• Introducing theory learning with a practical approach
• Many performance opportunities (Which will happen without a live audience)
• Evaluation present in every lesson
• Energetic approach to teaching that is rooted in modelling and demonstration, teaching aims to be inspiring
• Expectations of high quality performance

Assessment across year 7 – 9 is progressive and provides students with a clear pathway to success and understanding their areas of development. The assessment format is designed to encourage students’ confidence in streamlined areas in order to improve their interpersonal skills as well as their evaluative skills. On a half termly basis students will be assessed on the following:

Rehearsal, Performance and Responding

Books/other materials/useful websites to visit/field trips etc.:

Google Classroom is used as a virtual platform to introduce students to online theatre and live stream theatre, ensuring the love of performing arts is still thriving.

Many Key Stage 3 students are representatives around the Academy as Arts Ambassadors.  Students are responsible for leading activities and promoting a love for the arts during lessons and creating enrichment opportunities.

Homework:

Homework is used as a tool for students to rehearse pieces outside of the lesson as well as independent preparation for scripted pieces.

How parents can help:

Encourage and accompany students to take an interest in current affairs, general reading, watching theatre shows with their children and discussion content in order to promote interest in the arts.

 

BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

Our Drama curriculum is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of theatre, acting techniques, and performance skills. Below is an outline of what your child will be learning across the three key components of their course.

Component 1 – Exploring Practitioners

In this component, students will explore three different styles of acting, gaining insight into the techniques and methods used by influential theatre practitioners. They will also learn about the various roles and responsibilities within the theatre industry.

 

To enhance their understanding, students will take part in practical workshops that focus on these styles, helping them to develop their skills and apply their learning in a creative way. Additionally, they will undertake a research project to deepen their knowledge of theatre and performance.

 

Component 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques

Building on their learning from Component 1, students will take part in a performance of a play that aligns with one of the acting styles they have studied. This will provide them with an opportunity to develop their skills as actors and gain experience in a live performance setting.

Throughout the process, students will document their progress in:

• Logbooks detailing their development and reflections as an actor.
• A scrapbook or written essay showcasing their research, rehearsal journey, and learning outcomes.

Component 3 – Responding to a Brief (Externally Assessed)

For the final component, students will be given a stimulus and will be required to create their own performance in response. This will challenge them to apply all the skills they have developed throughout the course in a creative and independent way.

 As part of this assessment, students will also complete three written logs (each 800 words) reflecting on their creative process, decision-making, and evaluation of their performance.

This structured approach ensures that students not only develop their performance abilities but also gain essential skills in analysis, research, and reflection—valuable for both theatre and beyond.

For any further information or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Drama department.

Website to exam board:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-tec-awards/performing-arts/2022/specification-and-sample-assessments/btec-tech-award-performing-arts-spec.pdf 

RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Creative & Performing Arts

Our school offers the RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts, a comprehensive two-year program designed for students passionate about pursuing a career in the performing arts. This qualification is equivalent to 1 A-Levels and provides a blend of practical experience and academic study, preparing students for both higher education and direct entry into the creative industries.​

Course Structure

The curriculum is structured to provide a broad understanding of the performing arts sector while allowing students to specialise in areas of interest. Key components include:​

Core Units: These foundational units cover essential topics such as:​

• • Planning a Career in the Creative and Performing Arts
  • Live performance

Optional units:​

• Drama in the community
• Improvisation
• Approaches to acting
• Audition techniques
• Physical theatre

Practical Assessments: Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning through:​

• • Performances​
  • Workshops​
  • Collaborative projects​

Written Assignments: Students will engage in:​

• • Research projects​
  • Reflective journals​
  • Essays analysing performance techniques and industry trends​

Skills Development

Throughout the course, students will develop a range of skills vital for success in the creative sector, including:​

• Technical Proficiency: Honing abilities in chosen disciplines through regular practice and performance.
• Creative Thinking: Encouraging innovation in developing original pieces and interpretations.​
• Collaboration: Working effectively within ensembles and production teams.​
• Professionalism: Understanding industry standards, etiquette, and the importance of networking.​
• Critical Analysis: Evaluating personal work and that of others to foster continuous improvement.​

Assessment Methodology

All units within this qualification are internally assessed, allowing for a personalised and supportive evaluation process. Assessments are diverse, encompassing practical demonstrations, written assignments, and project work, ensuring a holistic appraisal of each student's capabilities.​

Career Pathways

Upon completion, students are well-equipped to pursue various avenues, such as:​

• Higher Education: Advancing to university programs in performing arts, dance, drama, or musical theatre.​
• Professional Performance: Engaging in careers as actors, dancers, or musical theatre performers in theatre, film, television, or live events.
• Creative Roles: Opportunities in choreography, production, design, directing, or playwriting.​
• Education and Outreach: Teaching, coaching, or leading community arts initiatives.​
• Arts Administration and Production: Roles in event management, talent representation, or behind-the-scenes production work.​

This qualification is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic and competitive field of creative and performing arts.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs or more including English.

Experience in dance and or drama is helpful but not essential, experience could be a performing art subject that was studied at key stage 3 or GCSE or if dance or drama was taken up as a hobby.

Website: https://www.rslawards.com/creative-and-performing-arts/#capa-syllabus-download

Supporting your child in their creative and performing arts studies can make a huge difference in their confidence and success. Below are some useful resources, including subject-specific websites, exam board materials, and ways to help at home.

General Support Tips for Parents:

• Encourage your child to attend extra-curricular clubs and rehearsals.
• Take them to live theatre performances or watch online theatre productions.
• Discuss their coursework and performance pieces to help them reflect on their progress.
• Provide a quiet space for script reading, research, and coursework writing.
• Watch and discuss films, TV shows, and stage performances together, focusing on acting techniques and storytelling.

Useful Resources

Exam Board & Assessment Information

• RSL Awards Creative & Performing Arts Course Information
  Visit RSL Awards – Provides detailed specifications, grading criteria, and qualification information.
• Past Papers & Assessment Guidance
  RSL Past Papers & Sample Assessments – Helps students understand assessment expectations.
• BTEC Tech Award Course Specification – A detailed breakdown of the qualification, including assessment methods and grading.
• Sample Assessments – Example tasks and mark schemes to help students prepare for their coursework and exams.
•  Component Breakdown – Information on the three key components:

Acting & Drama Resources

• National Theatre Collection – www.dramaonlinelibrary.com (Access to filmed theatre productions).
• BBC Bitesize Drama – www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zbckjxs (Covers key acting techniques, roles, and performance skills).
• The Stanislavski Toolkit – www.dramaresource.com (Guides on acting techniques and practitioner methods).

• Writing & Research for Performing Arts

• Theatre History & Practitioners – www.bl.uk/shakespeare (British Library resources on theatre history).
• Creative Writing & Playwriting Tips – www.writersguild.org.uk (Advice on scriptwriting and storytelling).

• Encouraging your child to engage with these resources will support their learning and deepen their understanding of performing arts. If you need further guidance, please contact the Performing Arts department.

Research & Analyse Professional Work

• Watch live theatre productions or stream performances on platforms like National Theatre Live and Digital Theatre+, Youtube.
• Study different theatre practitioners (e.g., Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud) and their methods.
• Compare and contrast different acting, dance, or musical theatre styles.
• Read and analyze scripts and plays beyond those studied in class.

Develop Practical Skills Outside the Classroom

• Join extra-curricular clubs like drama, dance, or musical theatre.
• Take part in local theatre groups, youth productions, or workshops.
• Experiment with devising original performances or adapting existing scripts.

Reflect & Evaluate Performance

• Keep a performance journal to track progress, reflect on strengths, and set goals.
• Film rehearsals and performances to self-evaluate and critique movement, voice, and character choices.
• Study professional reviews of theatre performances and write your own performance critiques.

Engage with Industry & Higher-Level Study

• Attend Q&As or masterclasses with professional actors, dancers, or directors.
• Research career pathways in the performing arts (e.g., production, writing, stage management).
• Take online courses in acting, movement, or stage design to expand technical knowledge.
• Read books on acting techniques, dance theory, or theatre history.

Push Creativity & Experimentation

• Work with different performance styles, such as physical theatre, immersive theatre, or verbatim theatre.
• Explore multimedia elements in performance, such as projections, soundscapes, or digital performance art.
• Challenge yourself by taking on different types of roles (comic, tragic, non-verbal, abstract).
• Collaborate with peers to devise innovative performances based on real-world issues.

Encouraging curiosity, dedication, and experimentation will help students push their abilities and develop into confident, versatile performers!

Studying Performing Arts opens up a wide range of career opportunities both on stage and behind the scenes. Students can pursue careers as actors, dancers, musicians, or musical theatre performers, while others may choose roles in directing, choreography, stage management, set design, or technical theatre. The skills developed—such as creativity, communication, confidence, and teamwork—are also valuable in industries like media, event management, arts administration, teaching, and drama therapy. Whether continuing to drama school, university, or creative apprenticeships, students gain transferable skills that can lead to successful careers in the performing arts and beyond.