Topic title: Silent Film
Year group: 8
When taught: April – July
What are we learning?
This term we will be looking into the exciting world of slapstick drama. Students will explore how to use exaggerated body language and mime techniques to communicate to an audience. This will link with exploration of silent film techniques, mime, body language, slow reaction shots and exaggerated movements to create their own Slapstick performance.
Why is this important to know?
Students will develop an understanding of the genre of silent film and the techniques of mime and exaggerated movements. They will explore techniques such as a reaction shots, exaggerated movement, placards and unrealistic storylines.
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
Students will be able to use the skills from Greek Theatre to further explore the world of silent film. The skills developed in the Greek theatre SOW such as exaggerated movement and mime will be a sound foundation for the students to begin this work. The work also provides students to not rely on vocal skills with a focus on physicality and movement which link into the SOW for Year 9.
How will we be assessed on this topic?
Students will be assessed practically at the end of the scheme of work focusing on the skills, techniques and group work. The students will be encouraged to create their own work from a given silent film title.
- Group work- co-operation, participation, and contributing ideas.
- Performance skills– stock characters, movement, mime and gestures.
- Use of techniques – mime, exaggerated movements, reaction shots, placards speaking.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?
Students will be expected to perform in front of the class and demonstrate their understanding of the techniques silent film with a strong sense of ensemble and use of physicality.
What key words are there in this topic?
- Stock characters.
- Exaggerated movement and mime
- Placards
- Reaction shots
- Exaggerated movements.
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
- Nominate yourself to be a director for a group, to support your ideas and to have a focus for the work.
- Create your own placards using card or a computer.
What wider reading can be done on this topic?
- Research the genre of melodrama, slapstick and silent film.
Supporting document
Mime
Laurel and Hardy clips
Mr Bean clips
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