Drama
Available at KS3, 4 & 5
Subject Vision & Intent
In Drama at Penistone Grammar School, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop a deep understanding of themselves and others. Performing is at the heart of Drama, and we use it as a vehicle to explore important issues and topics within our lives, allowing the subject to become a powerful tool for expression, empathy and communication. We aim to inspire students to become imaginative, articulate, and reflective individuals who can collaborate effectively and think critically about the world around them.
Our Drama curriculum is designed to:
Foster creativity and imagination through practical exploration of performance, storytelling, and theatre-making.
Develop communication and collaboration skills that are essential for success in both academic and real-world contexts.
Encourage empathy and cultural awareness by exploring diverse perspectives, historical contexts, and social issues through performance.
Build confidence and resilience by providing opportunities for students to perform, take creative risks, and reflect on their work.
Introduce students to the world of theatre and performance arts, including key practitioners, genres, and technical elements.
Prepare students for further study and careers in the arts and beyond, by nurturing transferable skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Every child has the opportunity to grow their passion and flourish in Performing Arts. We are a very busy department, with students spending a lot of time with us both in and out of school time. Students have a real affinity for the Arts at Penistone Grammar School, and very much enjoy being a part of the department. On top of our curriculum, we also stage a whole-school musical at the Penistone Paramount every year, which has only grown bigger and better with each passing year. There are also many other opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Aims & Expected Impacts
We aim to promote skills that will better prepare students for life beyond school. The schools 5 Core Values are integral for success in Performing Arts. These are interwoven into our curriculum, focussing on ‘Performing Drama’, ‘Portfolio and Evaluation (GCSE) / Process Log (A-Level)’ and ‘Reading and Analysing Texts / Live Theatre Reviews’.
Aim High: In Drama, students are encouraged to set ambitious goals for their performances, creativity, and collaboration. Whether it's mastering a challenging script, devising original theatre, or performing in front of an audience, Drama pushes students to exceed their own expectations and strive for excellence.
Be Determined: Drama often involves stepping outside of your comfort zone. Students learn to persevere through rehearsal challenges, overcome stage fright, and refine their work through feedback. Determination is key to developing confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic in both solo and group projects.
Be Kind: Kindness is essential in Drama, where trust and respect are the foundation of every ensemble. Students support one another through constructive feedback, active listening, and empathy, especially when exploring sensitive themes or personal stories in performance.
Be Supportive: Drama thrives on teamwork. Students learn to collaborate, encourage each other, and celebrate each other's successes. Whether it's helping a peer remember lines or working together to solve staging problems, being supportive creates a safe and inclusive space for creativity to flourish.
Be Proud: Drama gives students the opportunity to showcase their talents and hard work. From classroom performances to school productions, students take pride in their achievements, their growth, and their ability to express themselves with confidence and authenticity.
Termly Curriculum Overview
Key Stage 3 & 4
Year Group | Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term |
Y7 | · Greek Myths · Silent Movies | · Pantomimes and Duologues · The Village | · Protests · ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ |
Home Learning: | Costumes and Props | Costumes and Props | Costumes and Props |
Y8 | · Darkwood Factory · ‘Macbeth’ | · Stage Combat: Othello · ‘Glow’ | · Physical Theatre: ‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ · Splendid Productions |
Home Learning: | Costumes and Props | Costumes and Props | Costumes and Props |
Y9 | · Blame and Peer Pressure · Gangs and Anti-Social Behaviour | · Poverty and Class
-----Rotation Cycle-----
· Blame and Peer Pressure | · Gangs and Anti-Social Behaviour · Poverty and Class |
Home Learning: | Costumes and Props | Costumes and Props | Costumes and Props |
Y10 | · Practitioners · C2: Scripted Performance · C3: Refugee Boy | · C1 Mock: Devised Theatre · C1 Mock: Portfolio | · C1 Real: Devised Theatre · C1 Real: Portfolio · C1 Real: Evaluation Exam |
Home Learning: | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions, Portfolio | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions, Portfolio |
Y11 | · C1 Real: Portfolio · C1 Real: Evaluation Exam | · C2 Real: Scripted Performance · C3: Refugee Boy | · C3: Refugee Boy |
Home Learning: | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions, Portfolio | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions |
Key Stage 5
Y12 | · Practitioners · C1 Mock: Theatre Workshop | · C2 Mock: Scripted and Devised Performances | · C3 Mock: ‘The Arsonists’, ‘Home, I’m Darling!’, ‘Book of Dust’ |
Home Learning: | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions, Logbook | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions, Logbook | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions |
Y13 | · Practitioners · C1 Real: Theatre Workshop | · C2 Real: Scripted and Devised Performances | · C3 Real: The Trojan Women, Love and Information, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time |
Home Learning: | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions, Logbook | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions, Logbook | Rehearsal, Costumes, Props, Written Exam Questions |
Assessments / Examinations
Key Stage 3
Teams Quizzes / Performances to teacher / Performances to peers / Quizzes in class related to current topic
Key Stage 4/5
The key areas assessed are: Performances and Evaluations of these Performances, Textual Analysis of Studied Texts, Live Theatre Reviews
Teams Quizzes / Performances to peers, teachers, friends/family, moderators and external examiners / Past Papers / Portfolios/Process Logs
GCSE Exam Board: EDUQAS
A-Level Exam Board: EDUQAS
Home Learning
Key Stage 3
In Drama at KS3, we ask students to bring in props/costume for assessment points. We always emphasise that students should not spend any money and should just bring in something they already have or make something that they may need for their performances.
Key Stage 4/5
Performance - Recommended that groups independently rehearse weekly after-school.
Portfolio and Evaluation (GCSE) / Process Log (A-Level) - Completion of coursework that is necessary for the overall grade at GCSE/A-Level. Students must use their bi-weekly computer lessons in school to make good progress but should also complete additional work as Home Learning. These coursework documents not only reflect upon the process and development in achieving the group’s final performance but also evaluates their successes and areas for improvement. This will be an ongoing process with windows to submit drafts throughout the course.
Reading and Analysing Texts / Live Theatre Reviews - Past papers and exam-style questions will be set bi-weekly. Students will also be expected to re-read scenes that they are being assessed upon.
In order to support all written areas of GCSE and A-Level Drama, there are weekly intervention sessions that are held with a member of staff.
Enrichment / Personal Development
Extra-Curricular/Intervention | Trips/Visits/Events |
Musical | Christmas Fayre |
Set Club | Carol Concert |
Musical Band | Battle of the Bands |
Musical Singing | Musical |
Carol Concert | Barnsley Beats |
Choir | PGS Live |
Music Ambassadors | KS4/5 Theatre 1 |
F. Gov. 7/8 Musical or Choreographer | KS4/5 Theatre 2 |
Radio PenFM | Excellence Trip |
KS4/5 Music Intervention | KS3 Trip |
KS4 Drama Intervention | Theatre Company visit to school |
KS5 Drama Intervention | A-Level Recital Evening |
Music Practice Rooms (Mon-Thu) | Varsity |
Drama Rehearsals (Mon-Fri) | Open Evening Performances (x3) |
Celebration Assembly | |
Year Group Assemblies |
Careers
Performing Arts & Entertainment
Actor (Stage, Film, TV)
Theatre Director
Stage Manager
Playwright or Screenwriter
Voice-over Artist
Drama Teacher or Lecturer
Theatre Technician (Lighting, Sound, Set Design)
Media & Broadcasting
TV Presenter
Radio Host
Casting Director
Production Assistant
Film Editor
Script Supervisor
Education & Therapy
Drama Therapist
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher
Youth Worker
Workshop Facilitator
Public Speaking Coach
Corporate & Business
Events Coordinator
Marketing or PR Executive
Sales Representative
Human Resources (Training & Development)
Corporate Trainer (Presentation & Communication Skills)
Law & Public Service
Solicitor or Barrister (strong communication and performance skills are key)
Police Officer (especially in community engagement roles)
Civil Service Roles (e.g., communications, outreach)
Writing & Creative Industries
Content Creator
Copywriter
Creative Director
Journalist (especially arts and culture)