Year 7
Discovering the Magic of Performance
Students begin their theatrical journey with Mind Set, our foundation module that establishes essential drama vocabulary and basic performance techniques. This introduction focuses on developing confidence through fundamental acting skills while building the collaborative spirit essential to all theatrical work.
The Melodrama project introduces students to this dynamic theatrical style, developing their understanding of characterization, vocal projection, and physical expression. Students learn to embrace the bold, expressive nature of melodramatic performance while building confidence in front of audiences.
Our Sam and Alex improvisation project challenges students to create original work in groups, fostering collaboration and creative problem-solving. Students maintain detailed logs of their work, developing crucial reflection skills while responding creatively to various stimuli. This project emphasizes the importance of teamwork and artistic development through structured creative exploration.
Year 8
Exploring Text and Style
Year 8 deepens theatrical understanding through engagement with established dramatic works. The War Horse/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory module introduces students to working with professional scripts, developing both design sensibilities and performance skills. Students perform monologues and group pieces, gaining experience with character development and textual interpretation.
Darkwood Manor explores the horror genre through the innovative Theatre of Cruelty approach, challenging students to work from stimulus materials while developing sophisticated performance techniques. This project emphasizes physical theatre skills and encourages students to push creative boundaries while reflecting critically on their artistic choices.
The Missing Dan Nolan project combines textual analysis with practical performance work, developing students’ ability to interpret complex dramatic material and translate written work into compelling live performance. Students learn to analyze character motivation, dramatic structure, and thematic content while maintaining strong performance standards.
Year 9
Mastering Advanced Techniques
Our final Key Stage 3 year focuses on sophisticated theatrical analysis and professional-level creative work. Live Theatre Analysis develops critical evaluation skills as students examine professional productions, analyzing production values, directorial choices, and overall artistic impact. This component builds the analytical skills essential for advanced drama study.
The Practitioners and Styles of Theatre module introduces students to influential theatre makers and their distinctive approaches. Students learn to apply different theatrical styles to textual work, developing versatility and deepening their understanding of drama as an art form with rich historical and cultural traditions.
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time showcases Mark Wheeler’s innovative playwriting style while challenging students with complex performance demands. This project combines script work with physical theatre techniques, preparing students for the demands of contemporary dramatic literature.
The year culminates with Devising, our most challenging creative project where students create original theatrical work from stimulus materials. This comprehensive project requires students to collaborate effectively, develop original concepts, and critically evaluate their creative choices while producing polished performance work.
Our assessment framework supports student development through:
- Performance Skills (AO1): Practical application of theatrical techniques in live performance
- Creating and Developing (AO2): Original creative work and collaborative projects
- Demonstrating Knowledge (AO3): Understanding of texts, practitioners, and theatrical styles
- Analyzing and Evaluating (AO4): Critical analysis of both personal work and professional theatre
Contact
The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000