GCSE Drama Students Complete Exam in One Year and Achieve 100% A*-C (August 2013)
In September seven students embarked on a journey to complete GCSE Drama in one year after school. Anthony Briers (Year 11), Ciaran Turley (Year 11), Ciaran Pursy (Year 11), Conor Mooney (Year 11), Dylan Mc Alpine (Year 12), Niall Walsh (Year 12) and Jamie Mc Laughlin (Year 14) committed Monday and Friday afternoons to studying the practical and written aspect of the GCSE Drama Examination from 3.10-5.30pm. They boys also committed many lunchtimes, late nights and weekends to ensure they achieved success in this examination. The students created two performances throughout their studies which they showcased for a range of audiences. In October the boys created a Devised performance called the ‘The 96’ based on those events which took place in the Hillsborough Disaster. In January the boys began rehearsing for their scripted performance ‘Mojo Mickybo’ by Owen Mc Cafferty. The boys received outstanding results in their practical assessments and the external moderator was extremely impressed by the standard and commitment displayed by the students of St. Patrick’s, ‘They really are top class’. On the 22nd August the boys returned to school very anxious and nervous to receive their results and finds out if their hard work had paid off. The students were both thrilled and delighted to find out that they had achieved 100% A*-C with 3 A’s, 2B’s and 2 C’s. The Drama department is very proud of the student’s success and is excited to share the students success.
GCSE Devised Drama, 'The 96' based on the Hillsborough Disaster (January 2013)
GCSE Scripted Performance, 'Mojo Mickybo' by Owen Mc Cafferty (March 2013)
The Top 8 Work Late to Complete GCSE Drama in One Year After School
GCSE Drama Written Exam Support Material
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell
'Blood Brothers' tells the story of the Johnstone twins, Mickey and Eddie, brothers separated at birth who reunite and become friends in their childhood, unaware of their relation to each other or of the consequences their relationship will bring about.
At the start, Mrs. Johnstone learns she is pregnant with twins and confides in her employer Mrs. Lyons about her fears that she will not be able to support both children. Mrs. Lyons, a wealthy and deceitful woman unable to have children herself, persuades Mrs. Johnstone to give up one of her boys with the promise that she will raise him in the lap of luxury. But when Mrs. Lyons fires the mother in hopes of making Eddie all her own, she is unable to separate herself and Eddie from the Johnstone family or from the lies of the past, leading both families towards a tragic end.
'Blood Brothers' also explores class differences and the gap between classes through the way both the sons and mothers choose to live their lives. Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons are in two very different classes, yet they are unable to avoid each other because of the connection their sons share. The differences in lifestyle, values, and morals of the two families are stark yet subtly done.
The most prevalent theme is within the constant reference to Marilyn Monroe and it's relevance is strong. At the start, Mrs. Johnstone tells of her carefree youth, comparing every aspect of her life to that of the blond bombshell. Although beautiful and successful, Marilyn Monroe led a complex life and in many ways brought on her own destruction. Her memory is framed by her bitter end just as the story of the Johnstone twins is framed by the image of the two brothers lying dead on the floor. Seemingly every major player in 'Blood Brothers' is a tragic figure, meeting their own end through their own tragic means.
' Blood Brothers' is a moving production that is sure to leave you thinking.
At the start, Mrs. Johnstone learns she is pregnant with twins and confides in her employer Mrs. Lyons about her fears that she will not be able to support both children. Mrs. Lyons, a wealthy and deceitful woman unable to have children herself, persuades Mrs. Johnstone to give up one of her boys with the promise that she will raise him in the lap of luxury. But when Mrs. Lyons fires the mother in hopes of making Eddie all her own, she is unable to separate herself and Eddie from the Johnstone family or from the lies of the past, leading both families towards a tragic end.
'Blood Brothers' also explores class differences and the gap between classes through the way both the sons and mothers choose to live their lives. Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons are in two very different classes, yet they are unable to avoid each other because of the connection their sons share. The differences in lifestyle, values, and morals of the two families are stark yet subtly done.
The most prevalent theme is within the constant reference to Marilyn Monroe and it's relevance is strong. At the start, Mrs. Johnstone tells of her carefree youth, comparing every aspect of her life to that of the blond bombshell. Although beautiful and successful, Marilyn Monroe led a complex life and in many ways brought on her own destruction. Her memory is framed by her bitter end just as the story of the Johnstone twins is framed by the image of the two brothers lying dead on the floor. Seemingly every major player in 'Blood Brothers' is a tragic figure, meeting their own end through their own tragic means.
' Blood Brothers' is a moving production that is sure to leave you thinking.
GCSE Drama Written Examination Supporting Material
|
|
Past Papers |
Mark Schemes |
|
|
|
|
Question 1 - Costume Design
Question 1 Resources |
Question 1 Sample Answers |
Question 2 - Character Performance
Question 2 Resources |
Question 2 Sample Answers |
Question 3 (A) and (B) Scripted Performance
Question 3 (A) and (B) Resources |
Question 3 (A) and (B) Sample Answers |