Wallingford School

Drama

Drama is an essential part of development for all students; harnessing the ability to understand themselves and the world around them. The very core of the subject is centred on the development of communication and articulation skills which feed into every aspect of the students’ lives, equipping them to be expressive and empathetic within society. Drama empowers students with self-awareness and confidence which are transferable skills essential to presentation and public speaking. Drama is accessible for all students regardless of their ability, which makes it an extremely effective learning medium in all aspects of their education. Through a robust and inclusive curriculum, students not only develop knowledge of performance, but also knowledge of the technical aspects of theatre, giving them a pathway into the industry should they choose. Drama not only gives pupils greater opportunities to develop their emotional intelligence and resilience, but also provides a safe space in order to grow confidence in their everyday lives.

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Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9

Year 7, Terms 1-6
7.1 Intro to Drama - Mime and Silent Movies. Key performance and collaboration skills focusing on concentration, cooperation, and control in group work. By removing dialogue, students build confidence and refine their physical storytelling and non-verbal communication.
7.2 Bugsy Malone - scripted work Development of skills in interpreting and performing scripted scenes, using improvisation to explore character and context. Skills in reading a play script, rehearsal techniques, and learning lines for performance.
7.3 Darkwood Manor Devising Exploration in story development through techniques such as teacher-in-role, hot-seating, soundscape, and working in role, developing creativity and confidence in performance.
7.4 Greek Theatre - History of Theatre Students explore the origins of theatre through Ancient Greek performance, learning about chorus, mask, and amphitheatre staging. They develop an understanding of how early theatre shaped storytelling, characterisation, and performance conventions still used today.
7.5 Tempest - Speaking Shakespeare Students support their English learning by exploring Shakespeare’s language through performance, soundscape, and physical theatre. They develop confidence in speaking verse aloud, understanding meaning, rhythm, and emotion, and bringing Shakespeare’s words to life on stage.
7.6 Tempest & Shadow Puppetry Students further explore Shakespeare’s 'The Tempest' through costume design and shadow puppetry. They develop skills in storytelling, atmosphere, and ensemble work, using light, shadow, silhouette and sound to bring the play’s magical world to life.
Year 8, Terms 1-6
8.1 Physical Theatre Students use non-naturalistic techniques to present stories imaginatively, exploring the conventions of physical theatre. They develop skills in narration, ensemble performance, soundscape, and chorus work to create dynamic and expressive pieces.
8.2 Melodrama - History of Theatre  Students explore the style and conventions of melodrama, developing exaggerated characters and clear storytelling through gesture, expression, and physicality. They learn to use stock characters, heightened emotion, and dramatic action to engage and entertain an audience
8.3 Blood brothers Scripted work Students explore Blood Brothers as preparation for GCSE script work, developing skills in interpreting character and understanding context. They experiment with voice and movement to portray the same character at different ages, deepening their awareness of performance choices and storytelling.
8.4 Improvisation Devising Students will develop confidence, creativity and teamwork through a range of improvisation activites and challenges. They will build engaging scenes without a script and respond spontaneously to dramatic situations while developing key performance skills.
8.5 Romeo and Juliet - Speaking Shakespeare/Vocal skills Students support their Speaking & Listening learning by exploring Shakespeare’s language through performance. They develop confidence in speaking verse aloud, understanding meaning, rhythm, and emotion, and bringing Shakespeare’s words to life on stage.
8.6 Gothic Horror / Design - Sound and Lighting Students explore the horror genre through Dracula and Frankenstein, focusing on creating atmosphere and tension. They experiment with sound effects, lighting, and performance techniques to build suspense and engage the audience.
Year 9, Terms 1-6
9.1 Masks - Physical Theatre Students explore the conventions of mask work using Trestle masks, developing physical approaches to communicate character and tell stories without speech. They learn to use movement, gesture, body language, and point of focus to express emotion and create clear, engaging performances.
9.2 DNA by Dennis Kelly - Scripted work Students are introduced to the GCSE script 'DNA' from the National Theatre collection. They explore themes of peer pressure, guilt, and responsibility, using techniques such as status, ensemble work, split staging, and atmosphere to interpret and recreate key moments from the play.
9.3 Gory Shakespeare - DevisingStudents explore Shakespeare’s most gruesome plays, using stagecraft and performance techniques to bring dramatic moments to life. They develop skills in characterisation, tension, and stage combat to safely and effectively stage scenes of conflict and intensity.
9.4 Kitchen Sink Drama and Stanislavski Naturalism Students explore emergence of Kitchen Drama and the social and historial context of post-war Britain. Students will develop their understanding of Naturalism and Social Realism by working with extracts from British plays. They will learn and apply Stansislavski techniques.
9.5 Macbeth - Staging Students are introduced to Macbeth in a practical and engaging way, exploring character, plot, and key themes. Through performance and Staging workshop activities, they develop a deeper understanding of the play they will later study for GCSE English.
9.6 Drama Revision Use team work skills and demonstrate a variety of expertise learned in Drama over KS3 such as storytelling skills, evaluating skills, analytical skills, design skills and performance skills.

Drama GCSE - Years 10, 11

Year 10, Terms 1-6
10.1 Students are introduced to key skills and drama terminology in preparation for GCSE. They begin work on Component 1 (Devising), responding to a given stimulus and applying strategies, rehearsal, and research techniques. Students are introduced to influential practitioners, including Frantic Assembly, and are required to keep a rehearsal journal to document their devising process.
10.2 Students continue to develop their devised performances in preparation for the GCSE examined practical assessment, which accounts for 10% of the overall qualification. They refine their ideas, apply feedback, and demonstrate creative, technical, and performance skills in presenting their final devised piece.
10.3 Students perform their Component 1 devised examined piece 10%
10.4 Introduction to Component 3 exam-style questions based on 'An Inspector Calls' to support their understanding of written analysis and prepare for the upcoming mock exam.
10.5 Students begin their 2,000-word written portfolio in response to their Component 1 devised process and performance. This work, worth 30% of the GCSE, requires them to analyse and evaluate their creative decisions, rehearsal process, and final performance.
10.6 Students complete their 2,000-word typed portfolio, worth 30% of the GCSE. Students are introduced to Component 2, preparing scripted extracts for performance to a visiting examiner, focusing on interpretation, characterisation, and rehearsal techniques.
Year 11, Terms 1-5
11.1 Students prepare for Component 3, the written examination worth 40% of the GCSE. They focus on An Inspector Calls and develop their understanding of design elements, including costume, lighting, set, stage furniture, props, and sound, to support their ability to analyse and interpret the play in performance.
11.2 Students continue their preparation for Component 3, focusing on the Live Theatre - section A of the written exam. They attend a live performance and produce 500-word notes on key moments, analysing performance and design choices to support their ability to answer exam-style questions effectively.
11.3 Students prepare for Component 2, rehearsing and performing two extracts from a published play for assessment by a visiting examiner. This component, worth 20% of the GCSE, develops their skills in interpretation, characterisation, and performance under exam conditions.
11.4 Students continue rehearsals for Component 2 in preparation for their practical exam in March (date to be confirmed). They refine their performances, focusing on character development, timing, and interpretation to meet the assessment criteria.
11.5 Students complete final preparation and revision for the public written examination (Component 3), a 1 hour 45 minute paper in early May. Revision focuses on An Inspector Calls, live theatre analysis, and exam technique.

Theatre Studies A Level - Years 12, 13

Year 12, Terms 1-6
12.1 Live Theatre visit. Theatre Practitioners and the History of Theatre. 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist' production rehearsals.
12.2 'Woyzeck' & Brecht and Original Performance Conditions. 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist' production rehearsals and performance to a live audience. Introduction to Live Theatre essay style questions.
12.3 Component 1 devising rehearsals commence. Practitioner link - Frantic Assembly. Visiting practitioner workshop - external booking.
12.4 Component 1 devising performance exam. Component 3 mock paper exam essay questions prep.
12.5 Component 3 mock paper exam essay questions prep. Portfolio 3000 words first draft. Accidental Death of an Anarchist exam style questions practice.
12.6 Component 3 mock paper exam essay questions prep. Portfolio 3000 words first draft. Accidental Death of an Anarchist exam style questions practice.
Year 13, Terms 1-5
13.1 Live theatre visit and 500 word notes. Portfolio - second draft. Mock exam preparation essay style questions: Live Theatre, Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Woyzeck.
13.2-13.3 Rehearse monologues and group performance piece in preparation for visiting examiner.
13.4 Component 2 Visiting examiner - monologues and group perofrmance piece. Component 3 exam preparation. Revision/Lakes.
13.5 Component 3 exam preparation and revision.