Ruckus in the Garden Drama scheme and resources

The scheme of work explores the play text ‘Ruckus in the Garden’ by David Farr. **
"Ruckus in the Garden is a very funny look at the pressures of being a teenager in school today. The play is accompanied by teaching materials containing fantastic ideas for drama work, as well as other activities designed to answer English Framework and NC objectives.
When Riverdale Comprehensive and St Nectan’s Grant Maintained find themselves in the garden of Cecil Fortescue on a school trip, a ruckus is inevitable. It’s customary that when these two schools meet , violence ensues; and many of the pupils are relishing the opportunity of a scrap.
However magic and mystery wait amongst the topiary in the form of Cupid who brings about transformations and confusions, both romantic and hilarious.
With a modern and accessible nod towards A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this play is a fast-paced, thoughtful and very entertaining look at the trials of being fifteen."

This scheme is ideal for year 9 Drama students or as a introduction to GCSE as it explores character development and Stanislavskian techniques, staging types, genre and style with a focus on Frantic Assembly as well as a lesson on audience and intention. This scheme has 9 full detailed lesson plans (the assessment activity can be extended if needed), resources and ppts, all you need is the text. I’ve also included a home learning brief which develops pupils understanding of theatre design elements, again very useful prep for GCSE students.

My students have loved the characters, themes and comedy of ‘Ruckus in the Garden’ and I’ve seen then make great progress as Drama students regarding their understanding of the different theatre makers, not just as performers.

(The edition I refer to in my plans is from the National Connection 2007 book of plays.)