High school drama resources

I will continue to add lessons to this unit regularly throughout September 2018. Each time I add a resource, I will increase the price of this bundle; however, if you purchase it now, you are also able to download all resources that will be added in the future at no additional cost. This unit is designed as an introduction to poetry for key stage 3 to build upon the knowledge they will have from key stage 2. It aims to challenge students by asking them to apply poetic techniques in a creative and sophisticated way. This bundle contains: A detailed knowledge organiser for homework and class quizzing. An easy start-of-year activity to write an acrostic poem about yourself. This could be set as homework. Lesson 1: Poetry vs prose Lesson 2: Figurative language - write powerful similes and metaphors. Lessons 3+ - coming soon Bonus lesson: how to write a slam poem. Once I have completed the unit and added all the resources here, I will also include a scheme of learning overview document.

Appropriate for A Level Drama & Theatre students, and able GCSE students who may wish to use verbatim theatre as a devising strategy. Contains opportunities to explore London Road and exercises used by Alecky Blythe, as well as clear guidance to helpful sections of the London Road film. Links to other resources and online video are also included. This scheme provides a strong foundation for students creating their own verbatim piece.

The questions in this file are replicated multiple times to ease printing, photocopying and distribution. They deal with affirmations made by Barabas and Ferneze in this scene and require students to justify their answers with evidence from Act 5 scene 1, as well as from elsewhere in the play where appropriate. Students could be given one or both questions either to respond to with short answers or to expand/develop into an essay.

This list of questions is intended for students studying Christopher Marlowe’s play “The Jew of Malta”. The questions can be given to students before or after watching the Grandfather Films production of the play, with the understanding either way that they make notes throughout their viewing of the film. The questions include topics such as possible cuts that could be made, the chronology of the film, and the casting. The questions could therefore be used by students of English, Drama, or Film Studies. There are three copies of the questions per page, for ease of printing, photocopying and distribution.

This resource was designed for students studying Christopher Marlowe’s play The Jew of Malta, but it could equally be of use to teachers and students of History or Politics, as well as English and Drama. It consists of a brief overview of Machiavelli’s life and work, with 3 copies per page to ease printing, photocopying and distribution.

This character impressions grid can be used by students throughout their study of Christopher Marlowe’s play “The Jew of Malta”, or completed at the end of the unit as a revision activity. It covers key points for students to make notes upon, including attitudes, how characters speak, and the impact of characters upon the audience. It is advisable to print/photocopy on A3 to give students maximum space to write. Alternatively, it can be uploaded directly to your school’s VLE so students can make their notes directly onto a digital copy.

This PPT is designed to introduce students to the character of Bellamira in Marlowe’s play The Jew of Malta, starting with an image suggesting a modern prostitute as a stimulus for discussion. (Possible questions for students could be who they think this represents in the play - if you have asked them to read ahead - or what character traits or jobs are suggested by the image.) The focus then shifts to scenes 1 and 2 of Act 3 of the play. Again these could be read together in class, or something you have asked students to read alone before the lesson takes place. Student ideas are invited as to whether the scenes are comic or tragic. These could be elicited in any way you wish. The final slides invite students to direct one of the scenes from either a comic or tragic perspective, considering lighting etc. As such this lesson is suitable for English or Drama. It was initially designed for KS5 but could easily be used for KS4 as well.

We use this resource both in classroom displays to aid discussion but also for homework and to assist students when writing about or researching practitioners. Key terms are in colour-coded columns with progressively complex terms, ideas or language. We ask students to use a certain number of terms in their written work or discussion and they have to tick which terms they have used as they speak or write to ensure they have made appropriate use of subject specific vocabulary. It’s a good resource for paired discussion or comparative marking. It’s been a great resource for students to help in homework, discussion and for projects like presentations and extended writing. We adapt it as we go, deleting some columns to differentiate for students lower down the school or adding and changing words as needed.

We use this resource both in classroom displays to aid discussion but also for homework and to assist students when writing about or researching practitioners. Key terms are in colour-coded columns with progressively complex terms, ideas or language. We ask students to use a certain number of terms in their written work or discussion and they have to tick which terms they have used as they speak or write to ensure they have made appropriate use of subject specific vocabulary. It’s a good resource for paired discussion or comparative marking. It’s been a great resource for students to help in homework, discussion and for projects like presentations and extended writing. We adapt it as we go, deleting some columns to differentiate for students lower down the school or adding and changing words as needed.

We use this resource both in classroom displays to aid discussion but also for homework and to assist students when writing about or researching practitioners. Key terms are in colour-coded columns with progressively complex terms, ideas or language. We ask students to use a certain number of terms in their written work or discussion and they have to tick which terms they have used as they speak or write to ensure they have made appropriate use of subject specific vocabulary. It’s a good resource for paired discussion or comparative marking. It’s been a great resource for students to help in homework, discussion and for projects like presentations and extended writing. We adapt it as we go, deleting some columns to differentiate for students lower down the school or adding and changing words as needed.

A collection of the Key stage 3 Knowledge Organisers used commonly in most school/academies. These are a great resource to use in class or for homeworks/ quizzes/ revision.

This workbook is designed for key stage 3 Drama students. The work book is to be supported by the performing aspect. It includes scripts, activities and key information for students. It also links with Schemes of Work (which are also avaliable on TES). The topics are: Year 7: Pantomime/ Shakespeare / Devising/ Documentary. Year 8: Soap Opera/ Teechers/ Devising/ Greek Theatre. There are 4 Blocks each block has 8 lessons - Please note rehearsal lessons are not int he workbook so that teachers are able to implement these where they feel necessary. Peer assessment is used heavily alongside Oracy. An assessment booklet is to follow in the coming week. Thank you

Feedback designed for self, peer and teacher assessments using the What Went Well, Even Better If and Now Try This with space for student response. The feedback sheets include the following: Devising Log Assessments sheets Devising Log Section One (Marking criteria listed and RAG activity for what needs to be evidenced) Devising Log Section Two (Marking criteria listed and RAG activity for what needs to be evidenced) Devising Log Section Three (Marking criteria listed and RAG activity for what needs to be evidenced) Devising Performance/Design Devising Performance/Design with Artistic Intention focus Each section has clear breakdowns for each final mark, for example ‘Devising Performance/Design’ sheet lists each sub mark, with the given key words, see photo for example.

Separating making, performing and responding into three focused five star ratings. The Powerpoint simply shares how your pupils can gain each star. The five star rating allows the Ks3 pupils to use a relatable system which they will recgonise from the theatre industry and in line with the ‘life without levels’ objectives.

Separating **making, performing and responding **into three focused feedback activities, these sheets allow for all three types of classroom feedback (self, peer and teacher). The sheet allows the teacher or pupil to share their feedback and the pupil to respond to this too using a WWW, EBI and NTT system. The five star rating allows the Ks3 pupils to use a relatable system which they will recgonise from the theatre industry and in line with the ‘life without levels’ objectives.

Separating making, performing and responding into three focused feedback activities for Year 8 Drama, these sheets allow for all three types of classroom feedback (self, peer and teacher). The sheet allows the teacher or pupil to share their feedback and the pupil to respond to this too using a WWW, EBI and NTT system. The five star rating allows the Ks3 pupils to use a relatable system which they will recgonise from the theatre industry and in line with the ‘life without levels’ objectives.

Separating making, performing and responding into three focused feedback activities, these sheets allow for all three types of classroom feedback (self, peer and teacher). The sheet allows the teacher or pupil to share their feedback and the pupil to respond to this too using a WWW, EBI and NTT system. The five star rating allows the Ks3 pupils to use a relatable system which they will recgonise from the theatre industry and in line with the ‘life without levels’ objectives.

‘Not another Nativity!’ was written for secondary school students as a counter to the endless primary nativity plays! It was also written as a small memorial to George Micheal with two of his songs ‘Faith’ and ‘Last Christmas’ featuring. It is a light-hearted comedy, a play within a play focusing on a class of Year 11 students who want to do things their way… could be easily adapted for year 6 students who want to do a special nativity for their last year in primary The play is about 12 - 15 minutes long in total, with 11 speaking parts (though these parts can doubled up or divided in further characters as necessary). Very few props are needed and no special staging or lighting. I have also included a promotional poster for students, a promo poster for parents and a program - all you need to do is complete with school logo and student names. I do hope you enjoy it as much as my students did - any questions please do message me!

Year 4 to 7 - adaptable to level Improvisation Facial Expression and Body Movement Mime Group work Position on stage Reactions to others Creativity

I have written this with year 7 and low ability year 8 in mind. An overview of this 5 week scheme is: Circus skills (basic skills on juggling and slapstick) The Freak Show (negative media portrayal) This is me (celebrating diversity and being proud to be different) 4&5) Assessment (accumulating all the skills we have looked at in the scheme) Demonstrate is a plenary and connect is differentiated questions to use as a starter to recap previous learning. Please note that I have not written the juggling manual, I have inherited this a long the way in my teaching career but it’s a great resource for differentiated learning styles.

This script was written for a Year 3 and 4 summer production. Can easily be done or edited for younger or older. The script was based on Disney’s The Lion King film from 1994. All of the songs and backing tracks included can be found on YouTube. Also includes the link to see the script in action - watching the recording of the performance.

It’s so important to build community and trust between students in the classroom. This activity is designed to help students get to know each other in a safe, fun way. Students will have one-on-one guided discussions based on the 7 prompts that are outlined in the activity, including discussing points of pride, challenges, heritage, and sharing preferences., among others. Included: Instructions, assessment and extension activity suggestions, student handout. This activity page is designed for students roughly 7-16 years of age.

Short Drama script suitable for performance at any time - especially appropriate for Hallowe’en Synopsis: Death has been reaping souls for thousands of years, and to be honest, he needs a vacation. His chief actuary Timothy Simpkins is the obvious (or only?) man to take his place while he is away. Timothy embraces his new role, as The MOTHMAN, Whose Name is Death - but will he be successful in carrying out his new “death duties”? Suitable for: Years 8-12 Running time: approximately 40 minutes Set requirements: Simple set, with reversible flats to represent the different locations. Characters: 7-14 4-8M 4-9F:

This royalty free Christmas drama bundle contains 1 monologue, 2 reader’s theater scripts, 7 one act plays, 2 choral readings and 9 short skits A few of those included are: The Innkeeper’s Wife (3 versions) Characters: 4-5, run time: 5-7 minutes It is eleven years after Jesus is born and the Innkeeper’s wife retells the story of Jesus birth to her three children. One version splits the lines with the husband. Elizabeth - a monologue by the mother of John the Baptist on Christmas Eve. She is doubly blessed with a son (finally) and to be alive at the coming of the Messiah. Run time: 2 minutes Elizabeth and Zechariah - Characters: 2, run time: 2-3 minutes. The couple decides to leave civilization and bring John up in the desert because of Herod’s violent jealousy over a rival king Dateline: Bethlehem - Reactions to Jesus Birth. Characters: 9 M, 3F, 3 either; doubling possible, Run time: 22 minutes Jasmine’s Star - Teenaged Jasmine, granddaughter of one of the Magi, decides she’s going to disguise herself and join the caravan following the star of Bethlehem, dragging childhood companion Meshach into another one of her “hare brained” schemes. Meanwhile King Herod takes extreme measures to protect his throne from a rival king. Characters: 12 M, 3 F, as many extras as desired Run Time: 2 acts, 45 min

A summary of Hamlet, giving an outline of the story and the important characters involved. Great for a quick reference or as a starting point for a lesson. Also useful for teachers who don’t want to read the whole play!

A small collection of great one-line Shakespearean insults and retorts for teachers to use in drama lessons, as a springboard for creative writing, or just for fun! Will work particularly well when included as part of a lesson on Shakespeare’s language or during play reading or script writing lessons. Perfect for Key Stage 2 and above.

Simple reports which allow teachers to record progress in drama for students aged 3 - 13 years. Each report covers a range of personal, social and performance skills for children to achieve and these are broken down into four key skills areas in which children learn to co-operate, create, perform and reflect. Markers allow teachers to chart an individual student’s progress through a full term or semester and each report provides space for comments and aims for that child. Not accredited in any way but based on 30 years of drama teaching experience. A great way to begin to quantify the developmental, social and creative benefits of drama. If you have found this resource useful please leave a positive review. Thanks!

A rap which tells the story of Hamlet. Created and performed by young members of a youth theatre in Manchester. This was a complementary piece of work to the play script Hamlet, the Murder Mystery but can stand alone and makes a great performance piece.

A full workbook for unit 1 of the level 1 performance skills course (NCFE). The only criteria not covered in this workbook is LO4, as this is a simple observation that I type up. Our centre have received direct claims status from NCFE for delivery of this course and the resources.

This 9 page workbook introduces your students to the life and times of Shakespeare. It is designed to be interactive and requires students to research much of the information themselves. It includes a template to create Shakespeare’s biography in the form of a resume, fun facts on life in Elizabethan England, some background on the Globe, Shakespearean insults to be hurled at one another, well- known phrases we use today which were coined by Shakespeare and a research project on life at that time. The resource includes a teacher’s copy which provides more background information and suggested answers to questions. It is suitable for secondary students who are about to study their first Shakespeare.

A selection of 64 improvisation scenarios for drama lessons. Great for lesson starters or activities in extra curricular drama. Example scenarios: A child has a nasty encounter with an animal at the zoo. A deleted scene from Harry Potter. Escaped prisoners stop for petrol at a petrol station. The sales assistant is old and slow. A restaurant is visited by a food critic. A team of footballers are in the dressing room at half time. They are losing the game 2-0. The manager gives his team talk. 64 scenarios in total! Great fun for drama students of all ages!

This Reading Comprehension worksheet is suitable for upper intermediate to proficient ESL learners. The text gives a summary of The Taming of the Shrew based on William Shakespeare’s famous play / comedy. After carefully reading a text, students are required to complete some comprehension exercises including: comprehension questions, True or False, a character match exercise, a multiple choice exercise, a fill in the gaps exercise and a fun crossword. The vocabulary used in the text is rather advanced and can also be used for IGCSE, TOEFL or IELTS vocabulary building purposes. The handout can be completed in class or assigned for homework. A full answer key is included.

A detailed powerpoint that will introduce KS4 or KS5 pupils to the work and ideas of Stanislavski. There are opportunities for practical activities within the powerpoint.

This 12 lesson scheme of work introduces pupils to the text ‘That Face’ by Polly Stenham . Developed with the old AS Edexcel unit 1 in mind each lesson focuses on skills e.g use of language, vocal awareness, non-verbal communication, as well as a design focus and deatiled practitioner (Stanislavski) lessons. Learners will be able to engage with the play and explore the context practically before beginning work on the new A Level work specification. Included are detailed lesson plans, resources and powerpoints to challenge and stretch your KS5 pupils.

Students will explore a range of performance styles from around the globe, developing confidence performing as well as building their skill set for the subject. Areas covered are: Greek Theatre Chinese Theatre African Theatre French Theatre (mime) There are eight lessons in the scheme which can be extended to more depending on the time given for the assessment task. Links are given to all teaching materials or they are provided in the downloadable pack (stories, instruction cards etc). Students will enjoy looking at theatrical traditions and devices from other theatrical cultures and will be able to incorporate some of them in their own future work.Their assessment piece will be to choose an area they have enjoyed or want to extend their understanding by creating a performance using these skills and style, bringing to life a story that we will supply. Students will complete an extended piece of homework – a ‘Theatre Around the World Scrapbook’ that should be a creative and decorative piece that details their learning – there will be challenge tasks within this to stretch pupils. These will be used for display as appropriate. Please adapt this – and any other contents of this scheme - to whatever format is useful for your school.

This scheme consists of 10 lessons that explore the text and themes of the well known play ‘Blood Brothers’. Pupils will develop their dramatic techniques and characterisation skills through these detailed and comprehensive plans. Activities include whole class/large group performance pieces, intense non-verbal communication exercises and the chance for your pupils to enjoy playing as seven year olds again. This scheme would be suitable for upper KS3 pupils or KS4 learners starting their GCSE course.

This six lesson scheme (complete with detailed plans, powerpoints and resources) is suitable for upper KS3 pupils. It introduces the genre of Melodrama incorporating the history, traditions and links to silent movies. Lessons include vocal and physical and skill development, script work as well as devising based on the genre conventions.

This 8 lesson scheme of work explores the story and characters of Oliver Twist. Highly detailed lesson plans and resources will develop pupils understanding of a variety of drama techniques focusing on characterisation skills, as well as allow lots of opportunities to develop confidence in creating, performing and evaluating. This has been used with a year 7 group but would work with any KS3 group. There are lessons that allow pupils to use scripts, write their own scripts, improve and creating a sequence of freeze-frames to show off their non-verbal communication skills. I’ve included lots of resources for you including some that are differentiated for your learners to use so you can just enjoy teaching the lessons.

This detailed scheme of work is for KS4 Drama students starting their GCSE course - it aims that students will have an appreciation of the different purposes and intentions that theatre can be used for, and some experience of how they can go about achieving those intentions. It is a great scheme to start developing their devising skills. Students will be introduced to didactic theatre and how messages can be misread in order to identify effective ways in which to engage an audience. They will understand that the course requires that more than one type of audience be considered in both the study of a script and in the preparation and devising of drama. The primary focus will be on documentary theatre and will use the Titanic as a stimulus for a devised piece in this style shaping it to meet their intention and have the required impact on their audience. I have included a Titanic research booklet that my pupils completed prior to working on these lessons. There is also a home and class learning booklet for pupils to use as they work on this unit. The lessons are detailed with learning objectives, challenges and planning for progress aims. Powerpoints and resources are included.

This 6 lesson scheme of work focuses on different well known fairy tales and ways of telling stories, and is an ideal introduction to Drama for KS2 or KS3 learners or to work with a lower ability KS3 group. The detailed lessons use Must, Should, Could learning objectives and would be useful to a non-specialist teacher. The scheme aims to develop pupils understanding of a variety of drama techniques as well as allow lots of opportunity to develop confidence in creating and performing. There are lessons on genre, writing in role, using freeze-frames, hot-seating and becoming news reporters live at the scene where a meteor has landed. I’ve included lots of resources for you including some that are differentiated.

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.)

This 5 lesson scheme is complete with detailed lesson plans, power-points and resources to use. The scheme uses the characters and story of The Wind in the Willows and focuses on the role of the narrator with differentiated challenges for learners. There is also a script writing lesson that introduces pupils to the format needed for script writing. Various character development activities are included as well as a design element. It is suitable as an introduction to year 7 Drama and might also compliment any English lessons that use Wind in the Willows as a text to study. I have also taught it to ear 5/6 primary students as part of their Drama learning. I used the Alan Bennett adapted play text in a lesson, this resource is not included.