“Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.”Alan Rickman
Our aim is to focus on developing our students’ sense of creativity and adventure.
Whether in a School Production, a lesson or a lunchtime activity, we would hope that our students can engage with Drama in a way that makes them comfortable and confident with others and yet also allows them the freedom individually to explore ideas, debate issues and express themselves with enthusiasm and intelligence.
Years 7 - 9
KS3 Aims to introduce core elements of performance that build on skills each year:
In Year 7 pupils are introduced to techniques of practical storytelling ; as the course progresses pupils study how to create and develop distinct characters. The emphasis in Year 8 is on historical styles of theatre – Commedia Dell’Arte, melodrama, Shakespeare. By Year 9 pupils explore a wide range of methods of performance that use more stylised means of communication, such as mask, pantomime, and Greek chorus.
GCSE
Pupils follow the WJEC specification.
This involves the study of a set text (currently DNA by Denis Kelly), and two practical performance projects (one devised, one text based). In addition to developing an academic approach to drama, students are assessed on their process of working and their ability in performance. Theatre trips are an integral part of GCSE study and pupils attend productions at least once a term.
Co-Curricular
The Drama Department is committed to offering a variety of co-curricular activities and clubs that are open to all pupils and these are organised with this principle in mind. These include:KS3 Drama Festival
- KS3 Drama Festival
- Yr 7 Drama Club
- Speech & Drama lessons (LAMDA & ESB)
- School Production (all Years)
- Summer Performance (KS3)
- Tours/external performances