Through Drama students have the opportunity to work creatively to produce thought-provoking pieces. It is a subject which allows them to work freely in an open space, giving the opportunities to physically express themselves. Students have the chance to experience different genres of theatre in the process. By collaborating with others, students often develop their leadership skills, as well as their own sense of empathy. Students explore a variety of scripts, offering them a chance to explore these in a practical way, often bringing them to life and allowing themes and issues to resonate with students. The love of theatre and performance is inspired throughout the course, with some theatre trips and workshops offered.

It uses both your creative and academic mind, and rapidly increases your confidence and helps you create a network of good friends fast.    Maisie Y10

Key Stage 3 Overview

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Autumn Introduction to drama and
pantomime
Silent moves & WW1 devising Epic theatre - social media & Play text
Spring

Play text & physical theatre

WW1 Devising & Musical theatre Social justice devising & theatre critic design
Summer Musical theatre Shakespeare: design & script Play text

Students are assessed on the 3 following areas: Creating, Performing and Evaluating (written work). There are regular assessments which will focus on one of the 3 areas.

GCSE Drama in Years 10 & 11

Course Leader: Ms J Arrow

Contact Email: jarrow@tgschool.net

Examination Board: Eduqas (WJEC)

Assessment: 40% Devising workshop, 20% Performance exam & 40% written  exam (live theatre review and practical study of play text).

Why should I study this subject at Key Stage 4?

Drama allows you to be creative and practical. It is a fun and social subject that also brings with it important skills in communication and confidence, which are increasingly significant in a variety of well respected industries. 

What does the course involve?

The course is split into three sections and run over two years, combining practical and written elements.


Component 1: Devising Theatre. Students will be assessed on either acting or design. They will participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre, using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by the exam board. Students will document the process and will write an evaluation of the final performance or design.

Component 2: Performing from a Text. Students will be assessed on either acting or design. They will study two extracts from the same performance text. They explore the text in practical workshops and produce a final polished performance using sections of text from both extracts.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre. Students will study a play text and explore it through practical workshops. They will also watch and review a live piece of theatre. Students will complete a final written examination lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.  

Differences from Year 9

Students explore in depth a variety of genres and practitioners and use their ideas when devising their own piece of drama. Students will complete a written examination under timed conditions. They will also attend more than one theatre production as they will write about performance in the examination.

Skills developed

Students are assessed on devising, performing and interpreting theatre. They develop their communication skills throughout the course, as well as their performance skills and ability to reflect on and evaluate theatre. Students become more confident, cooperative and empathetic while studying drama. This subject allows their social and personal skills to flourish.

Studying Drama at Sixth Form

Students can continue studying drama as an A Level here at Thomas Gainsborough School.

Extra Curricular

Students have the opportunity to take part in an annual whole school musical production.

Department Staff

Ms J Arrow (JAR) Head of Performing Arts Contact
Mrs K French (KFR) Teacher of Drama Contact