Drama
Key Stage 3 Years (7-9)
All Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) students have one hour of drama per week.
The KS3 Scheme of work is aimed at fostering confidence in speech and movement through improvised activities working with many different dramatic texts and stimuli. Lessons will focus on three key strands; making, performing and evaluating, as outlined by The Arts Council. The students learn how to create a meaningful performance that is thoughtful and appropriate to the audience. The students work in mixed groups in order to develop positive working relationships with others in the class, therefore creating and encouraging confidence and respect. Drama at Melbourn Village College is assessed using adapted Arts Council ‘Drama in Schools' Levels. The MVC levels range from 4c - 8a, Level 8a being an exceptional performance.
The year 7 course introduces students to the beginnings of drama and theatre, looking at various forms of stimulus to develop their own dramatic performances. As they progress in to year 8 and 9 the course introduces many different techniques and conventions. Through these studies students gain a practical understanding of different types of people and different situations in which they live. This widens their appreciation for others and enables them to create considered and thoughtful theatre.
The importance of performing is integral to the subject. Students have the opportunity to perform their work every lesson. They also have the opportunity to involve other lesson disciplines such as Dance, Music and Visual Arts within performance.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)
The Edexcel GCSE Drama course is currently offered at Melbourn. The course looks at Devising, Staging a Set Text and Performance. The course is a mix of Creating, Performing and Appreciation. The students evaluate professional works and personal works to develop awareness and understanding.
Extra Curricular Activities
Two extra curricular Drama Clubs are offered. A year seven club is offered Monday Lunch and Year 8 and above Tuesday Lunch, both have the aim to give each student the opportunity to create drama with those of different ages and abilities.
The drama clubs will be working towards a production after Christmas.
The MVC Drama Company
A newly formed company, which meets Mondays after school. Initially for year eight and above, whom have more than a passing interest in Drama. The MVC DRAMA COMPANY rehearsed and performed Phil Ridley's Sparkle Shark in June, to a sell out audience!
Students are involved in all aspects of the production, including the performance, stage crew or front of house management. The Drama Department at MVC hope to continue in this tradition, bringing the arts into the community.
Technology
Technology is important in modern day communication and expression. The students are currently studying different uses of lighting and sound within performance. The latest lighting control system has been installed in the Drama Studio. The Hall has modern lighting and sound controls as well. We are looking to study the various uses of Multimedia within performance such as projection, animation, moviemaker and installation. The use of DVD and Video will be included into the KS3 and KS4 curriculum, to assist in the assessment and evaluation student pieces.
