Staff
Mrs Nicola Simpson (Teacher in Charge)
At the Belfast Model School for Girls Drama is seen as both an art form in its own right, and as a learning medium which has application across the whole curriculum.
Currently Drama is taught in Years 8 and 9, and students can also choose to study Drama as a GCSE subject. After school Drama clubs are available to students of all ages to supplement curriculum time, build on skills or just to have fun!
Drama at Key Stage 3 is all about putting yourself into other people’s shoes – by taking on roles and enacting situations the students can gain a unique understanding of a range of issues and situations from a personal point of view. Some of the topics covered are Friendship, Homelessness, Body Image and Peer Pressure.
During Key Stage 3 the emphasis is on content, although students will also be learning Drama Skills such as Use of Voice, Posture, Gesture, Body Language and Movement. Empathy, confidence, and good communication skills are promoted throughout the course.
At Key Stage 4 the emphasis shifts slightly and students are trained in the art of performance. Choosing Drama as a GCSE option is not just for students who wish to pursue a career in the performing arts – this course is an excellent basis for any career that demands team work, communication skills, empathy and confidence.
The GCSE course (CCEA) comprises two units:
Unit 1: Understanding Drama. This is an externally assessed written examination based on the study of a set text and a scripted performance.
Unit 2: Drama Performance. This is practical Drama assessed by two controlled tasks, the first being a scripted performance, the second being a devised performance.
Students studying GCSE Drama will also have the opportunity to visit theatres in Belfast to see performances, and theatre companies and performers will come into school, making use of our state of the art Performing Arts Theatre.
The Drama Studio is equipped with lighting rig, sound facilities and 360 degree cyclorama.
