Year 7 – The magic of theatre

‘All the world's a stage’ William Shakespeare

The KS3 Drama curriculum is sequenced and follows a basic historical timeline of Theatre.

In Year 7 students will develop an understanding of how theatre has changed and developed over time. Starting with the Ancient Greeks students will consider how actors and a chorus performed a play, using only their voices and bodies to create an imaginary world. The art of storytelling will form a key feature of Drama throughout the year. For example during Medieval times theatre was used to explore the mysteries and miracles of the world and tell stories of morality to teach its audiences. Students will also consider whether Shakespeare is still relevant into today’s society and explore the stock characters of Commedia Dell’Arte. Students will finish the year by studying two of theatre’s most influential practitioners of Drama, Constantin Stanislavski and Bertolt Brecht.

At the end of Year 7, students will consider the question ‘How has theatre changed and developed over time’. They will draw together their understanding of how storytelling on the stage has been shaped by history and society itself.

The Drama Department provides opportunities for Year 7 students to be involved outside of class, including attending Drama club, taking part in workshops, going on theatre trips, becoming a Drama Ambassador and auditioning to be in school shows.

Useful links:

Local theatres- Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall, Northern School of Contemporary Dance and The Carriage Works.

Local drama groups - First Floor at Leeds Playhouse, Young Theatre Makers at The Carriage Works, Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Drama Rama - Leeds, Rebel Theatre School and Casting Agency and the Yorkshire School of Acting.