Drama

Term 1 – Speak Up!: Ghost Boys

Pupils develop a deeper understanding of how drama can explore important social issues. They study Ghost Boys and examine historical and contemporary contexts, including racism and injustice. They explore dramatic devices such as monologue, duologue and cross-cutting, and develop stagecraft skills such as positioning and movement. Pupils write and perform arguments and informative texts, learning how drama and literature can be used to give voice to social issues.

Term 2 – Shakespeare’s Comedy: Twelfth Night

Pupils explore Shakespearean comedy through Twelfth Night. They learn how comedy is created through language, character and situation and develop confidence in performing Shakespearean dialogue. Pupils explore characterisation, plot and setting through script work and practical performance, using techniques such as hot-seating, still image and narration. Writing tasks include diary entries and news reports, supporting pupils’ understanding of character and theme.

Term 3 – Gothic Literature: The Woman in Black

Pupils study Gothic drama through The Woman in Black. They explore themes such as fear, isolation and the influence of the past, using dramatic devices including tension, dramatic irony and cliff-hangers. Pupils begin to explore how design elements such as lighting and sound can enhance atmosphere. Both written and practical work focus on analysing character, setting and mood using increasingly confident vocabulary and performance skills.

Term 1 – Page to Stage: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Pupils study The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and explore themes such as neurodiversity through drama. They develop more advanced performance skills, including slow motion and physical theatre, and refine vocal techniques such as tone, pace, projection and emphasis. Pupils learn how to interpret character through script work and consider how context influences meaning.

Term 2 – Page to Stage: Blood Brothers

Pupils study Blood Brothers, focusing on social class and inequality. They analyse how writers use language, structure and stage directions to convey meaning and explore how context influences characters and themes. Pupils develop sophisticated vocal and physical skills, including accent, proxemics and levels, and build confidence in sustaining character in performance.

Term 3 – Page to Stage: An Inspector Calls

Pupils study An Inspector Calls. They explore themes of responsibility and social class and analyse how drama reflects society. Pupils consolidate their ability to interpret scripts, use stage directions effectively and communicate meaning through performance. Written work focuses on articulating understanding of plot, character and context using accurate and increasingly sophisticated language.

Term 1 – Exploring Professional Theatre Work (Component 1)

Pupils explore professional theatre productions and acting styles, investigating how actors and theatre makers communicate ideas and themes to audiences. They study roles and responsibilities within theatre, including performers, directors and designers. Practical workshops allow pupils to explore styles such as naturalism, physical theatre or scripted drama, while written work supports understanding of rehearsal, production and performance processes.

Examples may include: scripted drama, physical theatre, or extracts inspired by contemporary or classic plays.

Terms 2 & 3 – Developing Acting Skills and Repertoire (Component 2)

Pupils work from existing dramatic repertoire, developing skills in characterisation, vocal delivery and physical expression. They learn lines, blocking and stage directions, and explore how interpretation affects meaning. Rehearsal discipline, teamwork and professional behaviour are key focuses. Pupils reflect on their performance development and evaluate how effectively they apply acting techniques.

Assessment includes a performance or design presentation and a written review of skills development.

Terms 1 & 2 – Responding to a Brief Through Drama (Component 3)

Pupils respond to an externally set brief by creating a performance or design concept for a specific audience and purpose. They explore ideas from a stimulus, select appropriate acting styles and techniques, and rehearse collaboratively. Pupils perform or present their work and evaluate how effectively it communicates intentions and meets the brief.

This unit is externally assessed and includes both practical performance and written evaluation.

By the End of the Course

By the end of Year 11, pupils will be confident performers who understand how drama is created, rehearsed and performed. They will be able to analyse theatre work, apply acting techniques effectively and evaluate performance with insight. Pupils are well prepared for further study in Drama, Performing Arts or related subjects, and for using communication and teamwork skills in a wide range of future pathways.