Drama: 

The intent of the Drama curriculum is to inspire creativity, confidence and critical thinking through practical exploration, performance and reflection. Across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, pupils experience a carefully sequenced programme that develops performance skills, collaborative working, design awareness and analytical understanding of drama as both an art form and a means of communication. 

Drama provides pupils with opportunities to explore ideas, emotions and social issues in a safe, supportive environment, helping them to develop empathy, resilience and a strong sense of self. The curriculum is designed to ensure all pupils, regardless of starting point, build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed both academically and personally. 

At Key Stage 3, pupils are introduced to the fundamental skills of drama: voice, movement, characterisation, teamwork and performance etiquette. Learning is rooted in engaging, accessible texts and styles that encourage creativity while embedding core dramatic techniques. 

• Year 7 focuses on building confidence and foundational skills through introductory work on heroes, followed by scripted performance using Shrek and The Lion King. Pupils explore character, storytelling and ensemble work while learning how to rehearse and perform effectively. 

• Year 8 deepens pupils’ understanding of drama through the study of DNA by Dennis Kelly, allowing them to explore challenging themes and contemporary performance styles. This is complemented by a focus on design roles and responsibilities, ensuring pupils understand how lighting, sound, costume and set contribute to meaning. The year concludes with the musical theatre style of Bugsy Malone, reinforcing performance skills and collaboration. 

• Year 9 broadens pupils’ experience of drama as a modern and diverse discipline. Pupils develop technical and performance skills through Acting for Screen, learn to create original work through devised drama, and study Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, exploring themes of identity, representation and social change. 

At Key Stage 4, pupils who opt for Drama follow a structured AQA GCSE pathway that builds directly on KS3 learning. The curriculum develops pupils into confident performers, thoughtful creators and articulate analysts. 

Year 10 introduces pupils to all three GCSE components: 

• Understanding Drama (C1) – developing analytical skills through the study of drama and theatre. 

• Devised Drama (C2) – creating original work in response to stimuli. 

• Texts in Practice (C3) – performing scripted extracts with precision and intention. 

Year 11 focuses on refinement, depth and examination readiness. Pupils analyse live theatre, rehearse and perform Texts in Practice, complete external examinations, and consolidate their devised and written work. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, resilience and independence. 

For more information, please contact Miss Slade. 

Year 7 

• Autumn Term 1:  Introduction to Drama – Heroes  

• Autumn Term 2: Introduction to Drama – Heroes  

• Spring Term 1:  Shrek  

• Spring Term 2:  Shrek  

• Summer Term 1: The Lion King 

• Summer Term 2: The Lion King  

Year 8 

• Autumn Term 1: DNA by Dennis Kelly  

• Autumn Term 2:  DNA by Dennis Kelly  

• Spring Term 1: Design Roles and Responsibilities  

• Spring Term 2:  Design Roles and Responsibilities  

• Summer Term 1:  Bugsy Malone  

• Summer Term 2: Bugsy Malone  

Year 9 

Autumn Term 1: Acting for Screen  

• Autumn Term 2: Acting for Screen  

• Spring Term 1: Devised Drama  

• Spring Term 2: Devised Drama  

• Summer Term 1: Everybody’s Talking about Jamie  

• Summer Term 2: Everybody’s Talking about Jamie  

Year 10  

• Autumn Term 1:  C3 - Introduction to Texts in Practice  

• Autumn Term 2: C2 - Introduction to Devised Drama  

• Spring Term 1: C1 - Introduction to Understanding Drama  

• Spring Term 2:  C1 - Understanding Drama  

• Summer Term 1:  C2 - Devised Drama Examination  

• Summer Term 2:  C2 – Devised Drama Examination  

Year 11  

• Autumn Term 1:  C1 - Live Theatre Analysis  

• Autumn Term 2: C3 - Texts in Practice  

• Spring Term 1: C3 - Texts in Practice External Examination  

• Spring Term 2:  C2 - Coursework / Examination Preparation  

• Summer Term 1:  C1 - Examination Preparation   

 

Film Studies: 

The intent of the Eduqas GCSE Film Studies curriculum is to develop students into confident, critical and creative viewers of film who understand cinema as both an art form and a powerful medium of storytelling, representation and communication. The course equips students with the analytical skills, technical knowledge and creative experience needed to succeed in GCSE assessment and to engage thoughtfully with film beyond the classroom. 

Film Studies encourages students to explore how films reflect and shape social, cultural and historical contexts, while developing transferable skills including analysis, evaluation, communication and creativity. Through a diverse range of global, contemporary and genre-based films, students gain a broad understanding of film language and the film industry. 

Throughout Key Stage 4, students study a carefully selected range of films that introduce them to different genres, contexts, narrative styles and representations. These include: 

• Attack the Block – exploring genre, representation, and urban youth identity 

• The Babadook – analysing horror conventions, symbolism and psychological storytelling 

• Wadjda – understanding global cinema, gender representation and cultural context 

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – studying classical Hollywood filmmaking, narrative and spectacle 

• Invasion of the Body Snatchers – exploring science fiction as social commentary and historical context 

• Juno – analysing independent cinema, characterisation and narrative voice 

A key aim of the course is to balance theoretical understanding with practical creativity. Students complete a non-exam assessment that allows them to apply their learning in an authentic and industry-relevant way. This includes: 

• Writing an original screenplay 

• Producing a shooting script that demonstrates technical understanding 

• Completing an evaluation that reflects critically on creative decisions and intentions 

This process enables students to develop storytelling skills, technical awareness and reflective writing, mirroring real-world film production practices. 

Year 10  

• Autumn Term 1:  Introduction to Film Form and Attack the Block  

• Autumn Term 2: The Babadook and Narrative Structure   

• Spring Term 1: Wadjda and ET 

• Spring Term 2:  ET and Invasion of the Body Snatchers   

• Summer Term 1:  Comparative Study   

• Summer Term 2:  Coursework and Component 3  

 

Year 11  

• Autumn Term 1:  American Independent Cinema and Critical Writing; Production Work - Juno 

• Autumn Term 2: Coursework and Mock Exams   

• Spring Term 1: Complete coursework  

• Spring Term 2:  Revision for Component 1 and 2    

• Summer Term 1:  Revision for Component 1 and 2  

 

Music: 

At Washington Academy, we believe our students deserve an ambitious and enjoyable music curriculum that develop skills and knowledge that enhance curiosity as our students prepare for future learning or employment. Our aims are to create the best musicians, give students memorable opportunities and ensure students leave us ready for their next chapter. 

Students are challenged in lessons to demonstrate understanding and creativity through performance, composition, collaboration with their peers and through evaluation of their work. The development of these skills, at key stage 3 and 4, helps us to see an increase in self-confidence and creativity in our students. This personal development will be highlighted through independent work, ensemble performances and compositions. Students become equipped to apply these in external settings such as shows and employment opportunities. 

The curriculum has been rigorously planned to develop knowledge and skills, with topics that seamlessly link together to highlighting continuation. A wide range of strategies are used across the curriculum to develop knowledge and allow our students to find a ‘way in’ to the music. We expect and encourage students to use key musical terminology within their work. The curriculum embeds all the core values and expectations of a Washington Academy student, ensuring that they students strive for excellence in the work they produce. This is showcased through their resilience when learning new skills, students are encouraged to thrive to complete their work to a high standard and put themselves outside of their comfort zone. 

As a department we offer extracurricular opportunities for those who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond the classroom. Individual instrumental lessons are available to key stage 4 students. As a department, we also have a collection of extracurricular clubs that students can take part in, from choirs and ensemble bands. We expose our students to live music including visits to the theatre and to other live concerts, as well as inviting artists into the Academy to perform and work with us. All pupils involved in music are given regular opportunities to perform to develop their confidence and understanding as musicians. 

Information relating to what your child is learning throughout the academic year is available. 

For more information, please contact Miss Slade  

Overview: 

Year 7: 

• T1 - Rhythm, Metre and Tempo 

• T2 - Melody and Dynamics 

• T3 - Sequencing 

 

Year 8: 

• T1 - Film music  

• T2 - Ukulele / Reggae 

• T3 - Band / Rock n Roll 

Year 9:  

• T1 - Blues 

• T2 – House Music  

• T3 - Band project 

 

Year 10/11: Btec Music Practice