Drama
Members of the Department
Ms Braniff (Head of Department)
Mrs Webb
Miss Mc Kenna
Miss Mc Auley
Mrs Scott
Miss Donnelly
Miss O’Connor
Miss Kelly
Overview of the department
St.Dominic’s has just been awarded specialist status in Drama and English. This is awarded where excellence is proven and the high standard of results in Drama in St.Dominic’s is well known.
All pupils study Drama in Years 8, 9 &10. During this time pupils are taught basic skills and Drama strategies which are required for further development at GCSE. In the first three years of Drama all pupils take part in The Choral Speaking Competition, The Public Speaking Competition and The Shakespeare Festival.
Currently there are over 100 pupils studying GCSE Drama and over 50 studying A Level Drama & Theatre Studies.
Our facilities include a new state of the art Drama Studio which is fully equipped with lighting, video and sound equipment and a Drama Classroom which is also equipped with lighting, video and sound equipment. We have a green room, a costume store, a Drama office and a beautiful new 350 seater main auditorium, fully equipped with computerised lighting and sound equipment.
Courses taught in the department- Key Stage 3 Drama, GCSE Drama, AS/A2 Level Drama and Theatre Studies
Achievements of Department - Pupils continue to have 100% success rate at both GCSE and A Level, frequently winning top places in Northern Ireland at GCSE. Two pupils Zara Haddock and Rebecca Maguire were placed in the top three in 2008.
Extra-curricular activities of the department:
1. Theatre trips to:
2. Frequent Theatre Visits to local theatres
3. Workshops by leading practitioners
4. Drama Club
5. School Musical (bi-annual)
Recent Musical Productions:
1996/7 OLIVER!
1998/9 THE KING AND I
2000/01 MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION OF DOMINICAN EDUCATION (WATERFRONT CONCERT HALL)
2001/02 THE WIZARD OF OZ
2003/04 CINDERELLA
2005/06 ALADDIN
2008/09 A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS
6. Drama competitions – All Ireland Drama Festival and local festivals
7. Showcasing of GCSE, AS & A2 Drama Practicals
GCSE (CEA) Drama aims to encourage students to:
- develop a personal interest in drama and be motivated and inspired by studying a broad, coherent and rewarding course of study;
- actively engage in the process of dramatic study so they develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds;
- work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas;
- reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others;
- develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills;
- develop as active citizens for their future, in employment and society, as well as for the possible further study of drama; and
- consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities.
Each student must complete the compulsory element: Scripted Performance and choose one other task from the range of five on offer: Devised Performance, Prepared Improvisation, Dance Drama, Mime and Design Support. (60%)
There is also a written examination with three questions based on a set text. (40%) (CCEA Specification)
GCE Drama and Theatre Studies (2240)
AS outline - AQA
Candidates will gain a knowledge and understanding of theatre practice through their own engagement with the medium as both participant and informed audience member. Candidates will develop performance and/or production skills appropriate to the creation and realisation of drama and theatre.
The AS specification has 2 units:
Unit 1: Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play
Topic list
- Candidates' personal response to live theatre seen during the course
- Interpretation of a set play from a performance perspective
Assessment Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (100 marks)
Weighting: 60% of total AS marks / 30% of total A Level marks One question to be answered from each of two sections:
Section A - response to live theatre seen during the course
Section B - study of one set play from a choice from six plays
Externally set and assessed
Unit 2: Presentation of an Extract from a Play Topic list
- Working in groups to develop and present an extract from a published play chosen by the candidates
- Study of an influential director, designer, theatre company or other practitioner, linked to the candidate's practical work
Assessment Practical: 80 marks
Weighting: 40% of total AS marks / 20% of the total A Level marks Performance by a group of an extract from a published play. The assessment also includes candidates' preparatory and development work and supporting notes.
Internally assessed and externally moderated.
GCE Drama and Theatre Studies (2240)
A2 outline
At A2, the specification provides candidates with the opportunity to develop skills and extend and apply knowledge gained at AS level. Candidates will demonstrate a more advanced level of performance and/or production skills alongside the ability to think independently, make judgements and refine their work in the light of research. They will also demonstrate the ability to analyse the ways in which different performance and production elements are brought together to create theatre.
The A2 specification has 2 units:
Unit 3: Further Prescribed Plays including Pre-Twentieth Century
Topic list
- Study of a set play with a choice from a variety of pre-twentieth century plays
- Study of a set play with a choice from a variety of twentieth century plays or contemporary drama
Assessment Written Paper: 2 hours 100 marks
Weighting: 30% of total A Level marks Study of two further set plays. One question to be answered from each of two sections: Section A: pre-twentieth century plays and Section B: twentieth century or contemporary plays.
Section B is synoptic, requiring suggestions for a complete stage realisation of a short extract from the play printed in the paper.
There is a choice from six plays for each of the two sections.
Externally set and assessed
Unit 4: Presentation of Devised Drama Topic list
- Working in groups to develop and present a devised drama, performed in a theatrical style of their choice
- Research into a theatrical style chosen by the group for their practical work
Assessment Practical: 80 marks
Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks Performance by a group of devised drama. The assessment also includes candidates' preparatory and development work and supporting notes. Synoptic. Internally assessed and externally moderated.
Year 9 and 10 students come along to Dance Drama Club every Wednesday in The Little Theatre. The girls enjoy learning dance technique and movement as well as new dance routines. This club is for anyone who enjoys dance or drama and wants to have lots of fun!
