Drama
Welcome To The
Drama Department
WHAT IS DRAMA?
At St Louis, we recognise that the creative arts are essential to the full, rounded academic experience of our young people. The Drama department works closely with the English Department to offer a dynamic and enriching curriculum designed to equip students with the development of their imagination, the use of creative problem-solving skills allowing them to become reflective thinkers, and to develop enhanced communication skills. From Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 4, we provide many opportunities for our students to work closely with their peers to create, develop and realise their own performances.
DRAMA STAFF
Mrs B Cunningham – Teacher in charge of Drama/ Teacher of English, SLT
Mr Quigg - Head of Department- English/ Teacher of Drama
Mr Quinn – Teacher of English & Drama
Miss Toal – Teacher of English & Drama
Miss Clarke – Teacher of English, RE & Drama
Miss Rooney – Teacher of English, Music & Drama
KEY STAGE 3
Our junior curriculum lays the foundation for developing skills in Drama through discrete single weekly lessons in Year 8.
Pupils have workbooks which allow them to work on some theory aspects of the subject at the discretion of the teacher. These are supplemented with practical work throughout the year. Assessment in Year 8 is usually based on engagement and performance opportunities in the weekly lessons, not by written examination.
By the end of Year 8, all pupils will know and recognise the terminology associated with Drama. They will also have created and delivered their own monologues to an audience, usually their class.
In Year 10, pupils have the option of choosing Drama as a ‘Taster Module’ where they will have two timetabled classes per week. The curriculum in Year 10 builds upon knowledge gained in Year 8, with a view to refining and developing skills, should these pupils decide to pursue the subject for GCSE. The Year 10 pupils work through a bespoke workbook and sit written examinations as well as performance-based assessments.
KEY STAGE 4
Drama is offered as an option to students in the Green and Purple Pathways, that is, for those students who are opting for 9 or 10 GCSEs. We offer the CCEA GCSE in Drama which is a 2-year linear course, which means that there is no module in Year 11; the written exam takes place at the end of Year 12.
Assessment = 40% Written Exam, 60% Controlled Assessment (two performances)
This subject is taught exclusively by Mrs B Cunningham at KS4.
Pathways and Performance Opportunities in GCSE Drama
Students can choose between two pathways: performing (acting) or design (costume, lighting, multimedia, set, or sound) but most students tend to opt for performing (acting).
The course includes opportunities to devise original performances and develop scripted performances based on existing texts.
Components of Study in GCSE Drama
Component 1: Devised Performance (25%): Involves group work to create a performance, including research and the compilation of a 2000 word student log for evaluation (worth 10% of the 25%). Usually completed and recorded by the end of Year 11.
Component 2: Scripted Performance (35%): Focuses on selecting and interpreting a published script for group performance. This is usually moderated by an external Visiting Moderator in March of Year 12.
Component 3: Knowledge and Understanding of Drama (40%): An external examination based on a set text, analysing language, style, and context. Our most popular choice of set text is Blood Brothers by Willy Russell.
Skills Development in GCSE Drama
The course fosters communication, collaboration, confidence, and analytical skills, applicable in various careers, particularly in the performing arts.
Students enhance self-management, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities through practical and theoretical work.
Results to Date
The Drama Department is very proud of its 100% A*-C pass rate since 2006, when the subject was first introduced to the KS4 curriculum in St Louis.
Additional Opportunities – Theatre Trips
It is recognised that there is nothing to replace the experience of live theatre visits and theatre workshops. As a member of The Lyric Affiliated Schools programme, we avail of bespoke workshops and other learning opportunities both in school and at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
We are also regular visitors to the Grand Opera House as well as An Tain Arts Centre in Dundalk, Co Louth.
Depending on suitability, these regular trips are offered to KS3 pupils, KS4 pupils as well as to our KS5 Performing Arts students in St Louis and our Shared Education School, Kilkeel High School.
KEY STAGE 5
At Sixth Form, students who wish to pursue their study of Performing Arts further can do so at our Shared Education School, Kilkeel High School.