Drama

Drama at NSSFC develops confident, articulate and reflective performers who understand how theatre communicates meaning. Students explore performance, design and directing through practical work, scripted study and devising.

Core strands:

  • Performance skills - vocal and physical characterisation

  • Devising and creating original drama

  • Script exploration and interpretation

  • Analysis and evaluation of live theatre

The curriculum is carefully sequenced from foundational performance skills in Year 7 through to the full GCSE specification at Key Stage 4, ensuring students build confidence, technical control and analytical depth.

Assessment includes practical performance, written evaluation and structured preparation for the GCSE examined components.

Independent rehearsal, reflection and script reading are integral to success in Drama.

 

Key Stage 3

At KS3, students develop the core practical skills required for performance, alongside an understanding of dramatic techniques and theatre conventions. The curriculum builds confidence, collaboration and creativity while introducing students to scripted texts and thematic performance work.

Students develop:

  • Vocal and physical control

  • Characterisation and staging skills

  • Devising techniques

  • Script interpretation

  • Analytical discussion using subject terminology

KS3 Curriculum Overview

Term
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Autumn 1
Introduction to Drama
Mugged
Family
Autumn 2
Visual Storytelling
Mugged
Family
Spring 1
Mime
Harvey House Mystery
Blood Brothers
Spring 2
Communicating Without Words
Homelessness
Real Life Drama
Summer 1
Script Exploration
Script Exploration
Physical Theatre
Summer 2
Performance Project
Performance Project
Performance Project

Key Stage 4

Students follow the GCSE Drama course.

GCSE Structure

  • Component 1 - Devising (coursework and performance)

  • Component 2 - Performance from Text (externally assessed performance)

  • Component 3 - Written Examination (set text and live theatre evaluation)

The course develops performance, directing and design skills alongside analytical and evaluative writing.

Ongoing practical assessment informs targeted rehearsal and written exam preparation. Intervention and bespoke support are provided in Year 11 to strengthen performance outcomes and written exam technique.

KS4 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 10 Year 11
Autumn 1 GCSE Introduction Component 1 - Devising
Autumn 2 Monologues & Duologues Component 1 - Devising Completion
Spring 1 Intro to Devising Component 2 - Performance from Text
Spring 2 An Inspector Calls Component 2 Continued
Summer 1 Component 3 - Written Exam Preparation Live Theatre Evaluation
Summer 2 Exam Technique and Script Exploration GCSE Examinations

Year 11 includes bespoke rehearsal time, portfolio refinement and structured exam practice to ensure students are fully prepared for their final assessments.

Sixth Form

There is currently no post-16 Drama provision.

Literacy, Careers and Personal Development

  • Vocabulary: Technical drama terminology including characterisation, staging, physical theatre, direct address, cross-cutting, tableau and evaluation language.

  • Knowledge organisers: Provided for each unit to support retrieval and independent study.

  • Careers links: Performer, director, playwright, designer (lighting, sound, costume, set), journalist, creative industries, public-facing professions requiring presentation and communication skills.

  • SMSC and personal development: Collaboration, empathy, moral decision-making, cultural awareness, confidence building, critical thinking and appreciation of theatre as a reflection of social and historical contexts.