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Drama References

Key Stage 2 National Curriculum

Although Drama is not a statutory National Curriculum subject in Key Stage 2, pupils develop many of the knowledge, skills and confidence required for secondary Drama through the English curriculum. Spoken language, performance, role play and collaborative learning provide the foundation for Drama at Key Stage 3.

Relevant statutory guidance:
• Department for Education – National Curriculum in England: English Programmes of Study (KeyStages 1 & 2)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-english-programmes-of-study?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

Key Stage 3 National Curriculum

Drama is taught as part of the National Curriculum for English, where pupils are expected to:
• Speak confidently and effectively. 
• Participate in collaborative discussions. 
• Use spoken Standard English appropriately. 
• Perform scripted and devised work. 
• Analyse and evaluate performances. 
• Develop empathy, creativity and communication through practical exploration.

Drama also contributes significantly to the development of:
• Oracy
• Literacy
• Cultural Capital
• Personal Development
• Character Education
• SMSC
• British Values

Relevant guidance:
• Department for Education – National Curriculum: English (Key Stage 3)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-english-programmes-of-study?utm_source=chatgpt.com

KS4 GCSE Drama

Students follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Drama specification.

The course consists of:
• Component 1 – Devising
• Component 2 – Performance from Text
• Component 3 – Theatre Makers in Practice (written examination) 

Specification:
• Pearson Edexcel GCSE Drama Specification
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/drama-2016.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

KS5 A’ level / BTEC

It is hoped that we will be introducing A Level Drama before/by 2028

KS5 A Level Drama and Theatre
Students follow the Pearson Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre specification.

Areas of study include:
• Live Theatre Evaluation
• Creating Original Drama
• Interpreting Performance Texts
• Theatre Practitioners
• Performance and Design

Specification:
• Pearson Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/drama-and-theatre-2016.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Further reading and national bodies/ homework log in’s

Further Reading and National Bodies / Homework Log-ins
Professional Organisations
• National Drama   https://www.nationaldrama.org.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Drama & Theatre Magazine
• National Theatre Learn   https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Royal Shakespeare Company Learning   https://www.franticassembly.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Frantic Assembly https://www.franticassembly.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• The Globe Theatre Education   https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/learn/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• BBC Teach Drama   https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Recommended Reading

Key Stage 3
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• A Christmas Carol

GCSE
• DNA
• Blood Brothers
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• Things I Know to be True

A Level
• Antigone
• Woyzeck
• Equus
• The House of Bernarda Alba
• The Maids
• Waiting for Godot
• Hedda Gabler
• Doctor Faustus
• Lysistrata
• The Tempest

Theatre Companies
Students are encouraged to experience live theatre whenever possible. Recommended companies include:
• National Theatre
• Royal Shakespeare Company
• Frantic Assembly
• Complicité 
• Kneehigh Theatre
• The Paper Birds
• Punchdrunk

Homework and Revision Platforms (where used by the school)
• Microsoft Teams
• Satchel:One (Show My Homework) 
• Seneca Learning
• BBC Bitesize
• Digital Theatre+ 
• National Theatre Collection

This provides students with opportunities to revisit learning, watch professional productions, deepen their
understanding of theatre practitioners and styles, and prepare effectively for practical and written
assessments.