Drama

Miss A. Sunners (Assistant Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts)
Miss S. Wilton

Drama is taught to all students in years 7, 8 and 9, and it is also one of the most popular option choices
at examination level. There are five GCSE groups and over 50 sixth form students studying the subject at A’ level.
We traditionally have a 100% pass rate at the two levels.

The Course
Students study a course which draws from the three main elements of theatre: historical development, technical expertise and of course, acting. They look at the different styles of theatrical presentation and experiment with different types of theatre throughout the course. Drama is fundamental to a child’s developing oral and listening skills and encourages discussion and interpretation of artistic forms.
It helps to develop self-confidence and provides a safe environment for discovering complex concepts which surround them; such as moral dilemmas, the elements of relationships, society and group dynamics.

Resources
Generally, lessons take place in a purpose built studio dedicated to the subject. It is equipped to one of the highest standards that schools can provide, with a recently refurbished lighting rig and a computer controlled lighting desk. Due to there being several productions per year, there is also an extensive range of costumes, sets and properties.

Productions
There are usually at least two school productions per year. The plays are always staffed by students from one or two year groups, and all students have the opportunity to become involved with the acting, production work and publicity. The students happily accept responsibility for the area in which they are working. The students are made very aware that they have to work within a budget and always manage to make a profit - something that professional theatres would envy!

After each production, the whole team discuss what they wish to purchase for the studio. Although we have excellent equipment, the students are only too eager to keep the studio technologically advanced.

Professional Theatre.
All students have the opportunity to go to the theatre on at least one occasion each year. Visits range from London productions, to pantomimes in Liverpool. In the past year students have worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, English National Theatre Company and the Everyman Theatre. Theatre companies from all over the country regularly visit the school to work with students; from small groups such as ‘Bitesize Theatre Company’ to the ‘Royal Shakespeare Company’. 

Tech Crew
The technical crew are a group of students from Year 7 to 13 who take responsibility for designing and operating lights, sound and set for all school productions and events. The ‘Tech Crew’ complete the National Arts Award Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards which accredits their skills and work in technical theatre. The Drama department is an Artsaward Centre.