Curriculum – Website 

Department  

Drama 

KS3 Intent  

Burton Borough School curriculum intent believes: 

  

The Drama Department at Burton Borough School is designed around 3 key “Golden Threads” of learning: 

  1. Performance Skills 

  1. Key Social Skills 

  1. Theme/Topic 

  

Each separate Scheme of Work is designed to simultaneously develop each of these areas, enabling students to become responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to the community in which they live, shaping the future society in which they will live and work.  The skills and attributes they will develop, will provide a foundation of transferable skills, essential for success in the ever-changing world in which we live.  The topics studied are carefully selected to ensure students are able to consider key themes and moral questions.  Such topics will have often have a personal impact, either in the past, present or future lives of students, and such consideration will provide them with knowledge and information to support independent decision making. 

KS3 Implementation  

This scheme of learning provides an overview of the BBS School KS3, Drama curriculum. The three core threads of Performance Skills, Social Skills and Thematic Understanding run through the curriculum and will correspond to a BIG issue such as, Climate Change, Migration, The Holocaust, Domestic Abuse, Community Mental Health, Gang-related/knife crime, Personal Identity, Peer Pressure and Refugees. These questions will be used to challenge student thinking and as vehicles for discussion and debate, building oracy with purpose into the curriculum. The final column, why this, why now? Provides explanation of how the unit content connects within the overarching sequence, it considers three things, 1. What previous knowledge is relevant? 2. What new knowledge is learnt? 3. What knowledge is important for future (horizon) learning?  It also highlights where local adjustments may exist and contextualises the unit content that goes beyond the core knowledge. 

 

KS3 Impact 

In lessons, progress is measured through teacher observations, peer assessment, group work and performance.  Constant verbal feedback, which is recorded in customised, individual booklets, enables students to record their progress and consider their successes in each lesson.  There is also consideration of where improvements and further progress can be made.  Constant questions and peer feedback encourages students to think carefully about the topic and also the approach to the practical work, developing key social skills throughout each lesson.  Feedback is live and predominantly verbal. 

 

Performance skills are also constantly assessed and provide a strong foundation for further study at GCSE Drama.  Key terms/vocabulary are constantly used and new terminology is introduced throughout the course. 

 

The overall, key objectives of the Drama curriculum is to encourage students to develop key social skills through Dramatic Explorative techniques to broaden and question significant themes and topics in a safe, controlled environment. 

KS3 Homework 

 

KS3 Enrichment  

Students are invited and encouraged to attend KS3 Drama Club (Friday after-school) and are welcome to participate in the Whole School Musical production (Wednesday after-school). 

KS3 Careers 

Specific careers relating to Drama include: 

  • Actor/Performer 

  • Director 

  • Stage Manager 

  • Scriptwriter 

  • Set/Costume Designer 

  • Drama Therapist 

  • Voice Artist 

Drama skills are also vital in a range of Media and Communication Careers: 

  • TV/Radio Presenter 

  • Journalist 

  • Film Editor 

  • Casting Agent 

  • Public Relations Officer 

The “social” interactive nature of the subject provides a strong foundation in public-facing careers: 

  • Teacher (especially Drama, English, PSHE) 

  • Social Worker 

  • Youth Worker 

  • Psychologist 

  • Customer Service Representative 

Even in fields like medicine, law, or business, drama helps with: 

  • Interpersonal communication 

  • Presentation skills 

  • Confidence in interviews and meetings 

KS3 Drama can help students see the real-world value of the skills they are learning. Drama develops a wide range of transferable skills that are essential in many professions. Some examples of such varied career paths include: 

Confidence & Public Speaking 

Law, Teaching, Journalism, Sales, Politics 

Teamwork & Collaboration 

Healthcare, Business, Engineering, Events 

Creativity & Imagination 

Advertising, Writing, Design, Marketing 

Communication (Verbal & Non-verbal) 

Social Work, Therapy, Media, Customer Service 

Problem-solving & Adaptability 

Emergency Services, Management, Tech 

Empathy & Emotional Intelligence 

Psychology, Medicine, Education, HR