• Lesson Plan

Objective: Introduce Year 11s to the concept of live theatre reviews for their AQA GCSE Drama course.

Materials Required: - copies of playscripts (1 per student) - handouts regarding theatre reviews - examples of live theatre reviews - laptop/projector (optional)

Time Needed: - 60-75 minutes

Instructions:

Part 1: Introduction (5 mins) - Introduce topic (5 mins): Explain what a theatre review is and its importance in critiquing live theatre with particular focus on the playscripts students will be covering in the upcoming lessons

Part 2: Familiarise with the Task (15 mins) - Explain in detail the task requirements of Section C of the AQA GCSE Drama Exam (15 mins): Focus on the following key points: • Different elements to be considered when writing a theatre review • How to plan for a theatre review • Types of language used in reviews • Tips for writing a good review

Part 3: Activity (35 mins) - Allow students to read the playscripts chosen for the course (15 mins): This will provide students with a better understanding of what they need to thoroughly critique - Pass out handouts which should summarise key concepts on how to write a good theatre review (15 mins): Highlight example reviews and key terms/word used in reviews - Allow a student to read an example review out loud to the class and discuss the piece as a whole (5 mins): Emphasise the importance of constructive criticism and provide examples

Part 4: Summation (10 mins) - Recap key points of lesson (5 mins): Showcase examples of effective reviews to reinforce previously discussed ideas - Give the class time to ask questions (5 mins): Answer questions thoroughly

Closure: - Challenging homework set: Set a task for students to write a theatre review (based on their playscript) for homework

Evaluation: - Allow students to assess their learning in completing the task (5-10 mins): Ask students to screen share their reviews with the class and discuss together - Provide feedback on students’ work (5-10 mins): Offers feedback to each student on their work, areas to improve - Explain possible follow-up tasks for the topic (5-10 mins): Suggest activities in preparation for the upcoming formal end of year exam

Conclusion: - To conclude the lesson, summarise the main points of the theatre reviews and how they can influence a critic’s opinion (5-10 mins): Ask each student to pick one piece of advice given in the lesson and explain how they can use it - Encourage the students to engage with theatre reviews and challenge their views (5-10 mins): Suggest websites, articles and films that may help with their research on the topic

Reflection: - Reflect on the lesson and discuss opportunities for improvement (5 mins): Understand what worked/didn’t work and areas for improvement for future lessons - Discuss ways in which the lesson could be adapted (5 mins): Allow students to suggest possible ways the lesson could have been adapted in order to keep the students engaged throughout the lesson.