Welcome to the Drama and Theatre department at Manor Community College. Although we are a small team, we have a vital impact on the life of the College.

Throughout lessons, workshops, visits and performances of all types, the Drama Department continues to have one aim – that all pupils, of all abilities have the opportunity to participate and develop skills in performance. The Drama department at Manor Community College aims to allow all pupils to learn in an active, expressive and exciting way. Pupils are encouraged to create and develop ideas using a variety of taught skills and techniques in making, developing, performing and evaluating their own work and the work of others.

This learning is achieved in the development of skills taught throughout Key Stage 3, and then further developed in Key Stage 4 when pupils can choose to study the BTEC First Certificate in Performing Arts – Acting.

Assessment
At Key Stage 3 (11-14), pupils are taught through a variety of topics, each centred on a unit of work – typically lasting half a term. These topics use a range of different sources; such as scripts, plays, songs and historical events, to engage and excite the pupils.

Pupils at Key Stage 3 are assessed using the Arts Council of England’s “Drama in Schools” publication (second edition). The three main headings that pupils are assessed under are:
  • MAKING: When pupils explore, devise, shape or interpret a piece of Drama.
  • PERFORMING: When pupils perform or present an idea – even a Set or Lighting States.
  • RESPONDING: When pupils evaluate a piece of work and recognise techniques used and the effect of the Drama.
These headings are further broken down into grading criteria for each level of achievement, but wholly prepare pupils for further study at Key Stage 4.

At Key Stage 4, Learners (pupils), will study the Btec First Certificate in Performing Arts – Acting. This course enables all learners to achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction, (worth 2 GCSE’s at grade A, B or C). Learners study 3 units of work, typically lasting an entire term. Two performances for each unit are required and the learners focus on the specific skills of the performer in order to achieve their Certificate. Units of work have set assignments that challenge learners to create their own Drama, develop an idea dramatically and to perform a script or play in full.

Performances
The Drama curriculum is enhanced through a wide number of events that allow pupils to experience the ‘real world’ of Drama and Theatre.

All pupils and learners at Manor Community College will have an opportunity to perform to an audience during their school experience. The Drama department is dedicated to providing school productions and special events in which all pupils of all Key Stages can participate. The Creative Arts Faculty / Specialism in Performing Arts team organise a regular and established number of performances throughout the school year:
  • The annual College Musical
  • The X-Mas Factor talent Show
  • The Rags to Riches Fashion Show
  • BTEC Public performances (examined)
Theatre trips and visits from Theatre companies/actors are also a regular feature of the departments’ work.

For more information, please click on the following links: