Teachers:

Mrs M Cust (HOD)
Mrs C Gray
Mrs J Kennedy
Ms S McGoldrick

 

Subject overview

Drama offers a unique, exciting and valuable contribution to the curriculum. It has value as a cross curricular subject and can greatly build confidence of all our pupils. The drama classroom provides an opportunity for students to develop skills in communication and empathy, whilst supporting students in understanding concepts and characters in other subjects.  All pupils have the opportunity to study Drama at KS3.

Drama at KS3 is a popular subject!  It provides the students with the opportunity to develop their practical, exploratory and expressive nature.  Classes are bursting with energy and enthusiasm in relation to the concept being explored.  Activities range from drama warm-up games to improvisation and whole class productions. We aim to introduce the pupils to a range of rehearsal methods.

KS4:  At GCSE Pupils follow the CCEA Specification:

Externally assessed Component (40%)

Paper 1

Candidates will be required to answer 3 questions on the set text, Blood Brothers.

The questions are relevant to both design and performance pathways.

 

Internally Assessed Component (60%)

Two Assessment Units must be offered for summative assessment. One compulsory Unit (Scripted Performance) must be offered, then one further additional unit must be selected.

Students can now choose between a design pathway and a performance pathway so there really is a role for everyone to find their strength. Society and the workplace require confident, effective communicators with the ability to be creative leaders. CCEA’s Drama qualification affords students the chance to make these aspirations a reality.

There are many career options available to pupils who choose Drama as a GCSE option.  There are many talented young actors within the college that have aspirations of pursuing Drama as a career option.

Trips:  At GCSE the pupils attend a theatre production of the set text ‘Blood Brothers’ by William Russell.  Students have also attended Cinemagic events.  Cinemagic is a Northern Ireland based organisation which hosts the largest film events of its kind for young people in Ireland and the UK.  At one event, pupils received the ‘red carpet’ treatment at the premiere of ‘Narnia’ where they got to meet Northern Ireland’s finest export, Liam Neeson!

Competitions: The students have made their own movies with the help of Hollyoaks stars, Matt and Darren.  This won an award which was presented to them at a prestigious event at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall which was attended by many famous faces.

Extended Schools:  Edmund Rice has recently teamed up with ‘Belfast Youth in the Arts.’  This give the students the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals in order to stage ‘West Side Story’ for one week in the Waterfront Studio. The Year 8 students have the opportunity to attend the Christmas Pantomime at the Opera House and the Drama Club is enjoyed by many students across the school, giving them the opportunity to meet new friends, have fun and be creative.