In this half year course, students will begin with the basics of drama: use of space and the importance of observation and group focus through games and warm ups. This is followed by a strong focus on improvisation and the skills required to become adept at it. Improvisation, together with an understanding of narrative structure (the shape of a good story), is used for the devising of plays in groups. Students are taught the conventions of scripting a play which they use to produce a script of a ten to fifteen-minute play.
The course moves into its final stages with a rehearsal period of the plays the students have written. During this process they will be directed, either by their teacher or a Year 13 student. The course climaxes with a public performance. THE PUBLIC PERFORMANCE WILL REQUIRE STUDENTS TO BE AVAILABLE FOR AT LEAST 2 REHEARSALS AND 1 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE OF NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS.
In conjunction with the performance, students also become familiar with basic stage technologies such as lighting, sound, set, costume and make-up.
All in all, the Year 10 Drama course is challenging but hugely satisfying and lots of fun.