A Christmas Carol
Ghosts, miners and shadows of the past, present and future came together to convince one character, Ebenezer Scrooge, to find Christmas in his heart. The production featured over 60 pupils who spent 10 weeks working together, giving up free time after College, during lunch times, and even at weekends in order to reach the high standards demanded of them. For such an ensemble production it would be difficult to single out any one pupil but a special mention must be made of Ben May who played Ebenezer Scrooge. An asset to the cast he led from the front, attending every rehearsal and gave one hundred percent to creating the miserly skinflint that is Scrooge. Praise for the production was effusive, with audience members remarking how professional it was with a stunning set, elaborate costumes, wonderful effects (including a snow shower!) and very talented actors and musicians. Congratulations to all!!! Please visit the VLE for photos of the production The Drama curriculum at Swanmore is diverse, challenging and engaging, promoting essential skills such as teamwork, physical awareness and critical thinking. Drama offers pupils the opportunity to work both independently and within a team, developing their working flexibility, self confidence and communication proficiency. At Key Stage 3 Drama is taught on a modular basis and pupils are formally assessed on their work each half term. The department’s approach is naturally creative, lively and engaging, and we encourage pupils to develop creative expression through the application of drama disciplines. Alongside the basic foundation of dramatic skills, observational and independent powers of learning are developed together with analytical thinking. Drama is a popular option at GCSE and the department follows the AQA examination board specification. The course is modular and pupils study disciplines such as devising, improvisation, and performing from a scripted play, as well as the very popular theatre-in-education module which is toured to some of our local primary schools. Extra curricula provision in Drama is very important and to this end the department runs a Key Stage 3 Drama club after school which works towards a production in the summer term. A College Production is mounted annually affording pupils the opportunity to participate in a variety of roles, for example, in a technical capacity (such as lighting designers or sound technicians), as part of a publicity team, or as part of the stage management team. The department is also keen to encourage a wider appreciation of the performing arts and runs regular theatre trips to facilitate this.
At KS3 pupils will study the following modules Year 7: Foundation Drama, Radio Drama, Stage Fighting, Stanislavski, African Theatre, Musical Theatre. Year 8: Scripted Plays, Pantomime, Status, Shakespeare, Let him have it (the story of Derek Bentley), Masks. Year 9: Clowning, I don’t like Mondays. Then the following themes from the HA9 Curriculum; Identity and Where Are We Going? At KS4 pupils choose either GCSE Drama (AQA Examining Board) or Btec Level 2 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts – Acting (Edexcel Examining Board)
They received a great response for their superb performance. Please click here to read more…
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