Middle School Curriculum 2024-2026

Design and Technology

Drama

OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310

Eduqas GCSE Drama C651QS

How is the course assessed? The final grade is awarded based on assessment of an NEA project and a written examination:

What does the course cover? This is a practical course where pupils are given opportunities to participate in and interpret their own and others' drama, working as performers and/or designers as well as attending live theatre performances and developing skills as audience members. The course provides a balance of performance and written work. Pupils will create a piece of theatre using the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner in response to a stimulus, and these will be performed in the Studio Theatre for an invited audience, supported by a portfolio of supporting evidence and an evaluation of the final performance. A second practical element deals with the exploration of a play text, with each pupil performing two extracts before a live audience. On the theoretical side, pupils will study one text in depth. They also evaluate a piece of live theatre, commenting on the set, lighting, and costume design, and the impact of the production on an audience. How is the course assessed? The final grade awarded is based on assessment of two pieces of NEA and a written examination: Component 1: Devising Theatre Non-Examination Assessment – 40% of final mark Internally assessed, externally moderated Pupils devise a piece of original theatre in response to a stimulus, using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or the characteristics of a genre of drama. Component 2: Performing from a Text Non-Examination Assessment – 20% of final mark Externally assessed by a visiting examiner Two extracts must be studied and performed before a live audience. Pupils are assessed on their acting skills and abilities.

Why study Design and Technology? Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. Design and Technology provides grounding for many of the design related professions such as Engineering, Architecture, Product Design and Graphic Design and, since it encourages pupils to become problem-solvers and hone their critical thinking, the value of the subject is wide reaching as it develops skills applicable to a variety of professions. What does the course cover? The course aims to enable pupils to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make products of high quality. It involves both working as an individual and as part of a team, and allows the development of skills across a range of contexts, materials and processes. As part of the course, pupils will learn to reflect on the effect and implications of technology on society and to develop the critical ability and aesthetic sensitivity to evaluate design and technology in the world at large.

Why study Drama? Drama gives pupils a deeper understanding of the processes of drama and theatrical production, offering a broad knowledge of plays and theories froma variety of playwrights and practitioners. This GCSE develops devising, performing, evaluation and communication skills. It enables pupils to realise ideas, teaches them how to use body and voice, and tomanipulate space in a creative and imaginativeway which, in turn, communicates to an audience. The skills acquired become a useful precursor to the Drama and Theatre Studies A-Level for those interested inworking in the fields of drama education, television, filmand film production, radio or theatre.

Written Examination 50% of final mark 2 hours

Pupils will be examined on their knowledge and understanding of the designing and making processes and of the three core materials: wood, metals and plastics.

Non-Examination Assessment 50% of final mark

Pupils will respond to a contextual challenge to design and make a prototype. This will involve the production of a portfolio of evidence which will show the process in terms of: investigating design possibilities; producing a design brief and specification; generating, developing and realising design ideas; and analysis and evaluation.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre Written Examination 40% of final mark 1 hour 30 minutes

Section A: Pupils answer questions on their set text. Pupils are assessed on their ability to explore the text as an actor, director and designer. Section B: Pupils answer questions on a ‘given’ aspect of their analysis and evaluation of a live performance, commenting on set, lighting or costume design; OR the evaluation of key acting performances and their impact on an audience.