The ethos of the ESD Drama Department is to give GSIS students as wide and varied an experience and understanding of drama, theatre and performance as possible. We aim to provide an environment, which encourages the students in their own journey of creative discovery and self-expression, and to enable them to experience, understand and develop the skills necessary to create drama.

Year 8 Drama

Drama enters the ESD syllabus in Year 8. Students have one double lesson per week for half of the school year.
Drama in Year 8 is an introduction to the subject. The main focus of this short course is to introduce and establish some basic skills and to educate the students in understanding that Drama is a serious subject with transferable skills.

At least one theatre trip will be offered to students as a compulsory component of the course.

To view further details about the Year 8 Drama Curriculum please click here (pdf 9.76kb).

Year 9 Drama

In Year 9 students have one double lesson per week of Drama.
The course aims to build on the Year 8 introduction. As well as developing the skills taught in Year 8, students are introduced to a wider and higher level of skills, techniques and conventions. The aim of the year is cover all the basic areas of drama, establish a deeper knowledge and understanding of the subject and expose the students to as many different experiences as possible in terms of theatre styles, practitioners and practical work. By the end of this year the foundations will have been laid for any student wishing to progress to GCSE Drama.

At least one theatre trip will be offered to students as a compulsory component of the course. Where possible we aim to have at least one workshop with a theatre professional/practitioner.

To view further details about the Year 9 Drama Curriculum please click here (pdf 11.9kb).

Edexcel GCSE Drama

The Drama GCSE course is practical and creative. The course does not focus on just ‘acting’ skills, but allows students to explore and learn about all the elements, which come together to create a performance. Throughout the course students will develop skills, knowledge and understanding of acting, directing, set design, lighting, costumes, playwriting and devising. Students who do this course inevitably become more creative, confident, self-aware, self-assured and articulate. Drama is a subject which involves a lot of group work but fosters individual responsibility. Students will also experience as wide a variety as possible of live theatre performances, talks and workshops given by theatre professionals and practitioners.

For further details about the GCSE Drama Curriculum please click here (pdf 199kb).

Edexcel AS Drama and Theatre Studies

AS Drama and Theatre Studies can be taken by anyone who is interested in gaining a greater understanding of how theatre and plays work and are keen to be involved in performances. It is useful if a student has done GCSE Drama but not essential.

For further details about the AS Drama Curriculum please click here (pdf 82.3kb).

Edexcel Advanced GCE Drama and Theatre Studies

The full Advanced GCE Drama and Theatre Studies qualification is made up of the AS units plus three more units studied at a higher level.

For further details about the Advanced GCE Drama and Theatre Studies Curriculum please click here (pdf 82.4kb).

Please contact Kathleen O'Connor if you have any further questions.

KOConnor@gsis.edu.hk