Welcome to Beaumont School Drama Department!

Drama is about working together ... making creative decisions ... gaining the confidence to perform ... using analytical skills to evaluate your own work and that of others. Drama at Beaumont is vibrant, challenging, exciting, and of an exceptionally high standard. The department is very popular and well-supported by staff and students, both through the curriculum and in our wide range of extra-curricular activities. Drama is delivered at all Key Stages by specialist teachers.

Departmental Aims

The aim of the Drama department is to give all pupils the opportunity to contribute, communicate, concentrate, commit, co-operate and grow in confidence. Studying Drama at Beaumont will develop pupils’ skills in:

• creating and interpreting character
• range, clarity and suitability of speech in and out of character
• range and clarity of movement, and use of space
• creative contribution and independent social organisation
• presentation and performance skills
• reflection and critical evaluation

Curriculum

Drama:

• is a powerful medium for pupils to gain insight into themselves, others and the world around them
• being a group activity it works on emotional, physical, social, aesthetic and intellectual levels;  social responsibilities are emphasised
• includes improvisation, text work, movement, speech and performance
• encourages pupils to see the connections with music, dance, film, visual arts and literature
• provides opportunities to take an interest in all the elements that create theatre, for example lighting and set design

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

In Years 7, 8 and 9, emphasis is placed on the development of social skills and the personal skills necessary across the curriculum and also in the workplace. We encourage students to be confident, committed and co- operative through their weekly Drama lesson in one of our specialist Drama
spaces. Using a variety of themes and stimuli, ranging from pantomime and melodrama to physical theatre, students are guided in reflecting how the body and voice can be used to convey meaning.

Students are encouraged to present their work every lesson and reflect on its effectiveness, what they are learning and how they can improve. For a summary of the curriculum in a particular KS3 school year you can download the relevant Year Course Booklet by clicking on these links:

Year 7 course booklet
Year 8 course booklet
Year 9 course booklet

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

Students who opt to study Drama to GCSE level or Performing Arts (Acting) at BTEC level will have three lessons a week. For details of the syllabus for students who began their GCSE or BTEC course in September 2008 click on these links:
GCSE 2008-2010 syllabus
BTEC 2008-2010 syllabus

For details of the GCSE syllabus for students who begin their GCSE course in 2009 click on this link:
GCSE 2009-2011 syllabus
BTEC 2009-2011 syllabus

You can also obtain details of the course and coursework deadlines etc from the relevant Year Course Booklet  by clicking on these links:
Year 10 course booklet
Year 11 course booklet

Students can take their interest in Drama further through AS, A level, and study at IB level in the sixth form. Many of our Sixth Formers also do invaluable work by joining younger classes to support their learning. For details of all courses on offer at Key Stage 5 go to the BeauSandVer consortium website.

The Drama Department has two specialist drama studios. Students in KS4 and 5 can use the computerised lighting board and are encouraged to join the school lighting team. Productions take place in the studios, school hall and the school grounds.

Visits and Extra Curricular Activites

Pupils are encouraged to extend their Drama experience beyond the classroom in:

• Performances and drama clubs in Years 7, 8 and 9
• extended examination work (GCSE, BTEC, AS and A2 Level)
• theatre visits and workshops in and out of school (all years)
• at least two big school productions per year
• many Beaumont pupils also take advantage of the good and varied Drama opportunities offered in the local community

Students are encouraged to get involved in productions as actors, designers, stage crew members and lighting and sound operators. Information about some of the extra curricular drama activities and productions can be found on the Drama page . A full list of extra curricular clubs and activities, including those of interest to drama enthusiasts, can be downloaded here. Drama is a great way to gain confidence and make friends across all year groups. Come and get involved!

The Drama Team