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Applications now open for year 7 entry in September 2025

Applications are now open for Sixth Form starting September 2025 – Open Evening on Thursday 14 November, 4pm-7pm.

Drama

Curriculum

Drama enables students to develop key skills, such as confidence, communication, problem-solving and team-work, that are highly desirable to employers, colleges and universities

The skills developed are applicable to a wide range of employment and education sectors, not just the creative industries.

Our links with Birmingham Hippodrome Education Network allow us to offer incredible performance opportunities, both within the Academy and the local community, as well as regular contact with professionals currently working within the Creative Arts industries.

Curriculum overview

Ìý

ÌýAutumn 1Autumn 2Spring 1Spring 2Summer 1Summer 2
9Page to StagePage to Stage
The Night Circus
The Night CircusThe Night Circus
Break the Wall
Break the Wall
Night at the Museum
Night at the Museum
10StyletastersThe Art of DevisingUnit Two: Creating (30%)Unit Two: Creating (30%)Investigating textsUnit One: Performing (30%) (Tasks 2 – 6)
11Unit One: Performing (30%) (Tasks 1 & 7)Unit Three: Performing Arts Practice (40%)Unit Three: Performing Arts Practice (40%)Unit Three: Performing Arts Practice (40%)ÌýÌý
12CAPA310 – Approaches to Acting

CAPA306 – Planning for a career in the Creative and Performing Arts
CAPA310 – Approaches to Acting

CAPA306 – Planning for a career in the Creative and Performing Arts
CAPA310 – Approaches to Acting

CAPA306 – Planning for a career in the Creative and Performing Arts
CAPA315 – Elizabethan or Jacobean OR CAPA309 – Greek or Roman Theatre.

CAPA314 – Drama in the Community.
CAPA315 – Elizabethan or Jacobean OR CAPA309 – Greek or Roman Theatre.

CAPA314 – Drama in the Community.
CAPA315 – Elizabethan or Jacobean OR CAPA309 – Greek or Roman Theatre.

CAPA314 – Drama in the Community.
13CAPA321 – Working with Masks or Puppetry

CAPA311 – Audition Techniques.
CAPA321 – Working with Masks or Puppetry

CAPA311 – Audition Techniques.
CAPA304E – Performance Preparation.CAPA304E – Performance Preparation.CAPA 307 – Acting for the CameraÌý

KS4 COURSE

At KS4 we deliver the Eduqas Level 2 Technical Award in Performing Arts. The qualification is made up of 3 units:

Unit 1: Performing

Students will learn the skills and techniques needed to produce a successful performance of an existing play. Assessment will be based on the performance of a scene from their chosen play script, an introduction to the scene and an evaluation of their performance.

Unit 2: Creating

Students will learn how to create a refine their own original performance work. Assessment will be based on the development of a 3–10 minute devised performance, including written explanation of their contribution to the process and an evaluation of the performance.

Unit 3: Performing Arts in Practice

Students will be taught how to respond to a commission, learning about the pitching process as well as developing a show piece for performance. Assessment will be based on a live pitch to a panel, including a short performance and presentation of ideas.Ìý

What can the subject lead to?

Studying Drama can lead directly to a career within the Performing Arts industry, in one of thousands of roles, not just that of an actor. The Creative Arts industry currently the fastest growing industry in the UK, accounting for 1 in 11 jobs.

Studying Drama can also lead to Level 3 Performing Arts courses.

Crucially, studying Drama can support a student’s progression into any career or Level 3 course due to the desirable skill set that students develop as part of their studies. These include, but are not limited to, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills, presentation skills, resilience, leadership, and self-management.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The course is 100% coursework based, with evidence being presented through a mixture of written coursework and video evidence of performances and presentations. The first two units are assessed by teaching staff and the final unit is carried out under controlled assessment conditions and is sent to the exam board for assessment.

WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

Students who choose to study Drama must have a passion for the subject, enjoy a practical approach to their learning and be able to work with others. Students will need to perform to a live audience on several occasions throughout the course, so must enjoy performing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê has a partnership with Hippodrome Education Network. This partnership enables us to offer professional experiences to the students, with performance opportunities and regular contact with professional performing artists. There are several opportunities to watch live professional performances at the theatre, as well as behind the scenes tours of both theatres and television studios.

Mrs Banbury

Head of Department

Studied Performing Arts at De Montfort University, subsequently gaining a PGCE in Secondary Drama from Birmingham City University. Before teaching she gained industry experience, working on touring productions in both acting and physical theatre. She has been teaching at Shireland since 2003.