Dance

Unit 1: Introduction to Dance

Students begin their dance journey by learning the fundamental skills needed to create and perform confidently. They explore the basic actions of dance, discover how dancers use space, dynamics and relationships to communicate ideas, and learn how to warm up safely and effectively. Through performance and reflection, students develop confidence, teamwork and the ability to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

Key skills: Performance, collaboration, communication, rehearsal and safe practice.

Unit 2: Popular Dance Styles of the 1900s

Students travel back in time to explore exciting dance styles from the 1920s and 1940s, including the energetic Charleston and Lindy Hop. They learn how dance reflects changes in society and culture while developing their performance and choreography skills. Working with a partner, students create and perform their own dance pieces, building confidence, creativity and teamwork.

Key skills: Performance, choreography, teamwork, communication and movement memory.

Drama

Unit 1 – Introduction to Drama & Pantomime

Students begin their Drama journey through the exciting world of Traditional British Pantomime, learning the foundations of performance including vocal and physical skills, stagecraft and audience engagement.

Students develop:

· Vocal and physical communication skills

· Confidence in performance

· Collaboration and teamwork

· Audience awareness

· Use of stage space and movement

Unit 2 – Creating Your Own Drama: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Students create their own performances inspired by The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, exploring themes of empathy, perception and understanding different perspectives.

Students develop:

· Characterisation and improvisation

· Creativity and confidence

· Devising and storytelling skills

· Empathy and understanding of others

· Ensemble performance skills

Dance

Unit 1: Professional Dance Study – Musical Theatre

Students explore the exciting world of Musical Theatre by studying professional performances and learning repertoire inspired by the genre. They develop their understanding of how dance tells stories and communicates emotions while building confidence, performance quality and movement memory. Through self-reflection and peer feedback, students learn how to evaluate and improve their work as developing performers.

Key skills: Performance, confidence, movement memory, evaluation and appreciation of Musical Theatre.

Unit 2: Street Dance

Students step into the role of a professional dance company as they explore the energetic style of Street Dance. Working collaboratively, they learn key street dance movements before creating and performing their own group routines. Students build on their choreography skills, using creativity and teamwork to produce engaging and original performances.

Key skills: Choreography, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and time management.

Drama 

Unit 1 – Scripted Drama: DNA by Dennis Kelly

Students study DNA, exploring contemporary issues through scripted performance whilst developing their ability to interpret character, relationships and emotion.

Students develop:

· Characterisation and performance skills

· Vocal control and emotional expression

· Communication and presentation skills

· Script interpretation

· Rehearsal discipline and line learning

Unit 2 – Physical Theatre & Stage Combat

Students discover how movement can communicate stories and ideas just as powerfully as words, exploring physical theatre techniques and safe stage combat.

Students develop:

· Physical control and coordination

· Trust and teamwork

· Choreography and movement skills

· Creative problem-solving

· Storytelling through movement

Dance

Unit 1: Professional Dance Study & Street Dance

Students revisit and develop their Street Dance skills, exploring how Hip-Hop has evolved over time. They are challenged to master more complex techniques, including Break Dance, while developing strength, control and performance quality. Students also deepen their understanding of choreography by developing motifs using a range of choreographic devices. Alongside practical work, they analyse professional dance pieces, exploring how movement, music, lighting, costume and staging are used to communicate meaning.

Key skills: Performance, movement memory, confidence, appreciation of street dance and analysis.

Unit 2: Choreographing with a Stimulus

Students take on the role of choreographers, creating an original dance piece inspired by the film Men in Black. They apply the skills and knowledge developed throughout KS3 to generate creative ideas, develop choreography and perform as part of a group. This unit encourages students to think creatively, solve problems and work collaboratively to bring their ideas to life on stage.

Key skills: Collaboration, communication, creativity, reflection and motivation.

Drama

Unit 1 – Scripted Drama: Blood Brothers by Willy Russell

Students build on their performance skills through the study of Blood Brothers, exploring themes of family, class and social inequality whilst developing more sophisticated performance and analytical skills.

Students develop:

· Text analysis and interpretation

· Sustained characterisation

· Vocal and physical performance skills

· Emotional range and maturity

· Confidence in performance

Unit 2 – Devising Drama: Cookies by Emily Jenkins

Students create original theatre inspired by Cookies, exploring contemporary issues such as online identity, social media and peer pressure. Working collaboratively, they develop and perform their own work, using drama to communicate important messages and ideas.

Students develop:

· Devising and theatre-making skills

· Ensemble collaboration

· Creativity and independent thinking

· Structuring original performances

· Reflection and evaluation

Drama provides a safe and supportive environment where students develop confidence, resilience and empathy. Through performance, discussion and collaboration, students learn to communicate effectively, understand different perspectives and express themselves creatively.

Level 1/2 BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance):

The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts gives students the opportunity to develop their dance skills through practical, creative and performance-based learning. Students explore how professional performers work, learn choreography and performance techniques, and take part in creating and performing their own work.

Throughout the course, students build valuable skills that are useful both in the performing arts industry and beyond, including teamwork, communication, creativity, organisation and responding positively to feedback.

Students will develop:

• Performance and choreography skills
• Confidence in creating and presenting dance work
• An understanding of professional dance practice and careers in the performing arts
• Effective rehearsal and performance techniques
• Teamwork, communication and leadership skills
• The ability to work independently, meet deadlines and reflect on their progress

This qualification complements GCSE studies and provides an excellent foundation for further study, apprenticeships or careers within the creative and performing arts industries. It is ideal for students who enjoy practical learning and want to develop as confident, creative and resilient performers.

The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts is assessed through a combination of practical performance work, coursework and a final externally assessed project. This allows students to demonstrate their skills in a variety of ways, rather than relying solely on written examinations.

By the end of the course, students will have developed the confidence, creativity and practical skills needed to succeed in further study, employment and the wider world of performing arts.

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts (Internal Assessment)

Students investigate professional dance performances and explore a range of dance styles. Through practical workshops and performance activities, they develop an understanding of how dancers communicate ideas, emotions and themes to an audience.

Students will develop:

• Knowledge of professional dance practice
• Performance and observation skills
• Communication and evaluation skills
• Musicality, coordination and movement memory

• An appreciation of different dance styles and genres

Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques (Internal Assessment)

Students focus on improving their technical and performance skills by learning and performing existing dance repertoire. They take part in rehearsals, receive feedback and reflect on their progress to refine their work.

Students will develop:

• Technical dance skills
• Performance confidence
• Research and analytical skills
• Self-reflection and target setting
• An understanding of the rehearsal and performance process

Component 3: Responding to a Brief (External Assessment)

Students work collaboratively to create and perform an original dance piece in response to a set brief. They develop ideas, rehearse, perform and evaluate their work while considering the needs of a specific audience.

Students will develop:

• Choreography and creative skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Time management and organisation

• Performance and evaluation skills

This course is ideal for students who enjoy performing, being creative and exploring a variety of dance styles. Students develop strong technical skills, study professional dance works and have regular opportunities to perform and showcase their talents.

Alongside practical dance training, students learn how to analyse and evaluate performance, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the performing arts industry.

The course also builds valuable life skills, including communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and creative thinking, skills that are highly valued by colleges, universities and employers.

Students can progress to Level 3 BTEC Dance at The Oaks Collegiate and may go on to careers in areas such as teaching, performing arts, arts therapies, theatre production, sports science, physiotherapy and creative industries.

If you are passionate about dance, enjoy practical learning and want to grow in confidence, creativity and performance, this is the course for you.

Click here - for Dance reading list.

Building on the skills and knowledge developed throughout Key Stage 3, GCSE Drama allows students to deepen their understanding of theatre while developing confidence, creativity and communication skills.

The course is divided into three components:

Component 1: Understanding Drama

Students study Blood Brothers by Willy Russell, building on the foundations established in Year 9. They explore the play in greater depth, analysing characters, themes, social context and theatrical techniques, while developing their understanding of how meaning is communicated to an audience. As part of this component, students are taken to the theatre to watch a live performance, giving them the opportunity to experience professional theatre first-hand and develop their ability to analyse and evaluate live productions using subject-specific terminology.

Component 2: Devising Drama

Students work collaboratively to create and perform their own original piece of theatre in response to a stimulus. Drawing on the devising skills developed throughout Key Stage 3, they learn how to shape ideas into engaging performances while reflecting on and evaluating their creative process.

Component 3: Texts in Practice

Students rehearse and perform extracts from a published play, refining their acting skills and demonstrating their ability to interpret character, communicate meaning and respond to direction.

More Than a Qualification: GCSE Drama develops a wide range of transferable skills that are valued by colleges, universities and employers. Students learn how to communicate effectively, work successfully as part of a team, think creatively, solve problems, manage deadlines and present themselves with confidence. Through exploring a variety of characters, themes and perspectives, they also develop empathy, resilience and emotional intelligence.

Whether students continue with Drama at A Level or pursue other pathways, the course equips them with the confidence, communication and leadership skills needed to thrive in education, employment and everyday life.

GCSE Drama is assessed through a combination of written and practical work, allowing students to demonstrate their skills as performers, creators and theatre critics.

Component 1: Understanding Drama

Written Examination – 40% of GCSE (1 hour 45 minutes)

Students complete a written examination at the end of the course based on:

· Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre (4 marks)

· Blood Brothers by Willy Russell (44 marks)

· Analysis and evaluation of a live theatre performance (32 marks)

The examination begins with a series of multiple-choice questions that assess students' knowledge of theatre roles, stage configurations, design elements and key theatrical terminology. Students then answer longer written questions on Blood Brothers and evaluate a live theatre production they have seen during the course.

Assessment focuses on:

· Understanding drama and theatre terminology

· Analysing how meaning is created on stage

· Interpreting character, performance and design choices

· Evaluating live theatre effectively

Component 2: Devising Drama

Practical Performance and Devising Log – 40% of GCSE

Students create and perform an original piece of theatre in response to a stimulus. They also produce a devising log which documents their creative journey, decisions and evaluation of the final performance.

Assessment focuses on:

· Creativity and originality

· Collaborative working

· Performance skills

· Evaluation and reflection

Component 3: Texts in Practice

Practical Performance – 20% of GCSE

Students perform two extracts from a published play to a visiting examiner. This component assesses their ability to interpret character, communicate meaning and demonstrate effective vocal and physical performance skills.

Assessment focuses on:

· Characterisation

· Vocal and physical skills

· Interpretation of text

· Communication with an audience

GCSE Drama is an exciting, creative and highly rewarding course that helps students develop the confidence, communication and resilience needed for success both in school and beyond. Whether students aspire to perform on stage or simply want to develop valuable life skills, Drama offers something for everyone.

At our school, students benefit from a broad and engaging curriculum that combines practical performance, theatre visits and the study of inspiring plays and practitioners. Building on the strong foundations developed throughout Key Stage 3, students are encouraged to challenge themselves creatively, work collaboratively and grow in confidence.

Students have the opportunity to:

· Perform scripted and devised theatre

· Create their own original performances

· Study Blood Brothers, building on learning from Year 9

· Experience live theatre through educational theatre visits

· Develop their understanding of the wider world through exploring contemporary issues and different perspectives

Skills for Success

GCSE Drama develops a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued by colleges, universities and employers.

Students will strengthen their:

· Communication skills – expressing ideas clearly and confidently

· Teamwork and collaboration – working effectively with others towards a shared goal

· Creativity and problem-solving – generating ideas and finding innovative solutions

· Leadership and independence – taking responsibility and making informed decisions

· Resilience and adaptability – responding positively to feedback and overcoming challenges

· Critical thinking and evaluation – analysing situations and reflecting on performance

· Empathy and emotional intelligence – understanding different viewpoints and experiences

· Presentation and public speaking skills – communicating confidently in front of an audience

Click here - for Drama reading list.

The skills developed in Drama support success across many subjects and career pathways. Former Drama students often progress into areas such as law, teaching, business, marketing, media, public services, healthcare, psychology, journalism and the creative industries because of their ability to communicate effectively, think creatively and work confidently with others.

Most importantly, GCSE Drama helps students become confident, articulate and well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of further education, employment and life beyond school.

If you enjoy being creative, working with others, exploring new ideas and challenging yourself, GCSE Drama could be the perfect choice for you.

A Subject for Life

Many students choose GCSE Drama not because they want a career on the stage, but because they want to become more confident, creative and effective communicators. The ability to speak with confidence, collaborate with others, solve problems and think creatively will benefit students whatever pathway they choose.