Drama Department

 Drama at Castledown is a lively and popular subject and enjoys strong links with English. The department’s aim is to develop cooperation and creativity through a varied programme of study which enables students to utilise their imagination and work together on a range of units which explore relevant themes and issues.  

KS3

From the outset of the course the links between English and Drama are emphasised through the Drama based transition units which is taught in the primary feeder schools. In addition to the drama element of the English schemes of work, key Drama and performance skills are also taught in discrete Drama lessons as part of the key stage 3 timetable. In year 7 the students are introduced to the basic Drama techniques through units of work based on written texts, pictures, situations and issues. Over the next two years these skills are further developed as the students explore more challenge situations and texts. The Key Stage 3 scheme of work provides an important basis for the GCSE work which begins in Year 10 

KS4

This GCSE course begins in Year 10 with an introductory unit revising the basic strategies, mediums and elements of Drama touched upon in key stage 3. Using issue based themes such as ‘slavery’, ‘prisoners’, ‘protests’, ‘war’ the students begin to refine their understanding of Drama strategies and independently create extended pieces of drama. By the end of Year 10 the students will have completed the first piece of coursework: an exploration of one of these themes during 6 hours of assessed practical workshop and a written evaluation of their work. In Year 11 the focus moves towards the scripted play. Once again the coursework consists of 6 hours of practical workshop, exploring the themes and characters of a published play. This is then supported by a written portfolio which will include an evaluation of a professional live theatre performance. During the Spring and Summer term of Y11 the students work on their final exam piece – a scripted play or a devised piece of drama which is performed in front of a visiting examiner in April/May.   

Extra Curricular

Performance is an essential element of the GCSE Drama exam and consequently the GCSE students are involved in the Christmas production in each year of the course. Not only does this build on the students’ performance skills but it also requires the commitment and discipline of after-school rehearsals. Throughout the year the Drama Department organises regular visits to the Salisbury Playhouse to give students the opportunity to see live theatre first hand.   KS3 drama club runs once a week after school throughout the year. Budding actors and actresses work on productions shown in the Spring and Summer terms, as well as putting together anti-bullying Drama workshops to take into the local primary schools.