Curriculum Intent
Through Drama classes at Vandyke Upper School, we aim to inspire students to enthuse, explore, engage, and connect through creative processes.
All students study Drama in year 9. They have one lesson a fortnight and most lessons are standalone. Year 9 lessons form an introduction to the subject focussing on key skills. Most students do not study Drama as a specific subject at their middle schools. Lessons are a mix of basic theory and practical exploration. We also deliver some design work as a taster for design options at GCSE level.
GCSE students use both classroom and practical space for most lessons. This allows students to practice in the practical space the theory they learn in the classroom. They experience a range of activities within lessons and topics are frequently revisited. Within the 3 units, students engage with content in year 10 and revise, refine and realise the work in year 11. Students have the opportunity to take part in workshops and masterclasses in school and we arrange theatre visits for both year groups to facilitate live theatre review work.
Similarly, our GCE students experience a range of activities, putting theory into practice in the practical space. The 3 units are taught in both years, with year 12 focusing on content and engagement and year 13 focusing on revisiting, realising and formalising coursework, performances and written exam preparation. Students have the opportunity to take part in workshops and masterclasses in school and we arrange theatre visits for both year groups to facilitate live theatre review work.
