Drama

The department is staffed by Sarah Scannell, Head of department and supported by Thalia Squire.  Both teachers are examiners for G.C.S.E and for several other examination boards and festivals.

The ethos of the department is to encourage everyone to participate in productions, public speaking, lighting, sound, set design, costumes, makeup, directing, choreography and stage management. The pupils benefit from involvement in the theatre and it is encouraging to witness the growth in self-confidence that such activities generate.

A new drama studio is in the process of being built though most of our school productions will continue in the school hall.

For KS3 the pupils learn about physicality. With the help of white-faced masks, eliminating facial expression, pupils create scenes in small groups using only their bodies for expression. This then grows into a larger group improvisation using levels and movement to explore an emotion such as love or jealousy.

Assessments are made at the end of each project. All class assessments are video recorded so that pupils can observe their performance and learn to eliminate persistent habits that prevent their creativity and decide how their interaction with other cast members can be improved. Homework consists of developing, creating, evaluating and polishing class projects. We then work this improvisation into a performance with a script and music for the other half of the year to watch.

An evaluation exercise is very helpful to conclude this project, particularly when the video evidence is analysed.

For KS4, the pupils take Edexcel Drama. This board was chosen because it concentrates on performance rather than written work and does not have a terminal exam at the end of the two-year course.

Three pieces of coursework are the main component of the course:

1.    Analysis of a play and its author, including performance of scenes from the play.

2.    A prepared improvisation about a topic relevant to the pupils today.

3.    A final performance of a recognised play by an established author.

  Each piece of coursework is supported by three extended essays, evaluating and developing the project studied.

The Park School participates in many of the local drama festivals in the area as well as the Rotary Club public speaking commutations and the English Speaking Union debating and public speaking competitions. We have at least two theatre trips a term, for KS4 pupils as well as regular trips to London, Bristol, Salisbury and Bath for the rest of the school. A trip to New York is also being planned.