Hints and tips - 3 minute read

Marie Bessant – Subject Advisor – Music and Performing Arts

Believe it or not, we are approaching the summer term - although it may not feel like it! From teachers and parents that I have spoken to, and my partner’s teenagers at home, I know a lot of us have adapted really well to working from home, through no small amount of effort!

Creative subjects like drama can really come into their own in situations like the one we now find ourselves in. It can keep us and our young people active and inspired and support mental and physical well-being – so the more we can keep their practical and creative enthusiasm alive the better.

Curriculum plans that were in place before school closures may need to be adapted to work for drama at home – so my advice is to set them activities to maintain and build their creative skills. Character design, set design, script writing, alternative scenes for their set texts, storyboards… if they have the tech available to them set them things they can collaborate with their friends on too.

Helpful resources to help you set activities

We are lucky to have so many resources, theatres and companies out there that are offering access to theatre and support. Here are a few to investigate:

• National Theatre – Offering streams and recordings of shows and plays, great for setting review and evaluation tasks. Here’s their Twitter – do follow for updates!
• Our friends at Digital Theatre+ also have a wealth of videos, resources and activities aimed at drama students – Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5
• For support with set texts have a look at Bloomsbury Books – also worth following on Twitter for their updates and interesting articles
• A familiar face here – recently updated to be fresh and relevant – BBC Bitesize GCSE Drama

Stay connected

As always, we are here to support you. Advice can be sought on drama@ocr.org.uk – and do follow us on Twitter @OCR_PerformArts where I often retweet resources and ideas from all over the creative education community! You can also sign up to subject updates and receive email information about resources and support.

About the author

Marie Bessant – Subject Advisor – Music and Performing Arts

Marie joined OCR in July 2014 as Music Subject Specialist after teaching music for 10 years. With experience as Head of Department at secondary schools and FE colleges. Marie has a wealth of experience teaching music and performing arts at GCSE, A Level, BTEC and HND. As OCR’s music specialist, Marie took the lead in the development for the new music GCSEs and A Levels as well as overseeing resources, running training and CPD events, and supporting the performing arts teaching community. Marie also has the same responsibilities for drama GCSE and A Level and the Cambridge Technical vocational performing arts qualifications. Alongside this Marie is an organist and pianist with a love for rock music.

By the same author

• Drama – a walkthrough of text choices and the Drama Text Management Service
• Music and Drama – FAQs and essential advice for internally-assessed components