The Drama Department
The Drama department encourage students to achieve their potential, offering an inclusive, inspiring, motivational environment for students to develop their creativity. Although Drama is not identified as a foundation subject within the National Curriculum, all schools are required to teach it, as part of English, in Key Stages 1 – 3. St Nicholas Catholic High School, along with the teachers of the subject, believes that Drama should be taught as discrete art form.
Assessment
The emphasis on practical work necessitates a continuous form of assessment, whether formative or summative. Practical assessments at Key Stage 3 are every term and are written in the Schemes of Work. The theory of Drama is also examined via in-house exams in all years.
At GCSE and A Level, the assessment policy is based on the examination requirements as shown in the syllabus. The assessment requirements are outlined in the syllabus. In-house formative assessment takes place each half term to ensure students are fully prepared for their practical and written examinations.
Homework
Home work takes the form of research, learning of lines, gathering materials and costumes. Students at KS3 have Drama booklets to assist with set homework. At KS4 and 5 there are additional written work requirements such as: rehearsal log books, exploration notes, reviews of live theatre and set text essays.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We work closely with the Music department and have a thriving extra-curricular programme which incorporates Dance and Drama and Musical Theatre clubs, school productions, regular theatre visits, public examination performances, visiting workshops and performances from professional actors and theatre companies, and an end of year showcase and much more. We encourage all students to participate in some way in the Performing Arts, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.