Overview
Drama education at JRCS will provide all students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to understand how drama is used as a means of communication, enquiry and indeed as an art form. Drama is an inclusive subject; students can access it, learn and achieve regardless of their ability.
The drama department has high expectations of all students’ attainment and personal conduct. We create an environment where there is an emphasis on success and potential, and where all individuals and their achievements are valued and celebrated. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum which encompasses a wide range of learning experiences and reflects the needs of the local community.
We also offer a large range of enrichment opportunities for our students and our community with: clubs, theatre visits and school productions. We support and nurture talent and constantly look out for opportunities for our students to extend their experience e.g. working with theatre companies.
Staff List
Ms Catherine Cook
Miss Danielle Savva
Ms Penny Branch
Ms Kala Boller
Visitor/ drama specialist: Ahmet Ahmet
Mission Statement
Drama education at JRCS will provide all students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to understand how drama is used as a means of communication, enquiry and indeed as an art form. Drama is an inclusive subject; students can access it, learn and achieve regardless of their ability.
The drama department has high expectations of all students’ attainment and personal conduct. We create an environment where there is an emphasis on success and potential, and where all individuals and their achievements are valued and celebrated.
Curriculum We offer a broad and balanced curriculum which encompasses a wide range of learning experiences and reflects the needs of the local community. We also offer a large range of enrichment opportunities for our students and our community with: clubs, theatre visits and school productions. We support and nurture talent and constant look out for opportunities for our students to extend their experience e.g. working with theatre companies.
Homework Policy
At Key Stage 3 there is currently no homework but next year we are going back to the extended project and developing a new extended project for Year 9. At Key Stage 4, students receive one piece of homework every week, which is usually completing questions in their Drama Handbooks based on practical work undertaken in their drama lessons. They will have coursework to do but this is completed under controlled conditions. When we are doing extended work on Unit 3, homework will be the expectation that students will spend at least an extra hour per week with their group devising, rehearsing and refining their pieces in readiness for performance. In the sixth form, students may receive a homework or study task from each teacher they have- they will be expected to manage this, however if they are struggling we will provide support.
Marking Policy
The drama department follows the whole school marking policy, with Assessment for Learning at the heart of what we do. Students work is marked and assessed and students have the opportunity to have peer and 1:1 feedback on their work with the focus being how they can learn from any marked work to improve their own abilities.
Out of School Hours Learning (OSHL) A Christmas Carol
This year we staged the RSC play version of this Dickens classic. We had a young cast of over 50 acting students with Sam Palmer taking the lead role of Scrooge. We had a technical crew made up of students too. The performance dates we Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th December and the drama department would like to thank every one involved- especially the cast for their hard work.
Talent Show
Every year the drama department organise and mount the school’s annual Talent Show which takes place at the end of term Thursday 16th December 2011 at 7pm. Last year we had a best Talent Show ever as we had a real variety of acts including: standup comedy, live bands, group comedy sketches, dance acts, acrobatic acts and singing acts. It was a real celebration of talent. This year we hope the event will be just as good.
Auditions are scheduled to take place in Boothroyd Hall from 3.30- 6pm Monday October 31st . Watch out for posters around school to promote this! For the audition, you will need to have one minute of your act well prepared and ready to show. Please bring backing tracks on a data stick or cd- do not rely on you tube.
We will see you there!!!!
Year 7 Drama Club
Year 7 Drama club has been launched and this is a lunchtime activity for year 7 students to participate in. It will help them develop their drama skills- which will give them an edge in their drama lessons but it is also to a chance for young people to make new friends develop their confidence and have fun. When the numbers settle and when West Side Story is over, Ms Cook plans to stage a small production and invite parents and friends to come and watch.
Lamda
Ms Branch, the newest member of our drama team is starting up Lamda exam classes for students who do GCSE , A level and Btec classes. More information on this to follow shortly.
Donmar Warehouse
United House have funded opportunities for students from deprived backgrounds to experience live theatre. We are embarking on our second project with the Donmar Warehouse called, ‘Salt Root and Roe.’ Drama students in our sixth form have been invited to take part in the project which will involve:
Tuesday 27th Sept: An all day launch event with the Donmar – working with professional playwrights and directors
Three follow up workshops with a visiting professional after school during October and playwriting activities
Tuesday 29th November- will see one of the plays created by our students being staged in the West End as a curtain raiser to ‘Salt Root and Roe’