What we are trying to achieve with students
Our students are presented with the knowledge, skills and concepts of Drama as an art form. This involves: introducing students to a wide range of dramatic texts and encouraging an interpretation of them; helping students understand the cultural and historical context in which drama originates and is performed; experimenting with different performance styles; teaching students how to speak and move with fluency and clarity of intention; improvising around central themes of a stimulus; working towards formal performances; and finally teaching students how to respond critically to written texts of plays and to both live and recorded performances from a variety of different cultures, genres and styles.
The courses we run
KS3
We study a broad curriculum developing a variety of performance skills such as Greek Chorus, Improvisation, Physical Theatre, Proxemics, Interpretation of text, and exploring a selection of themes and issues including Isolation, Slavery, Bullying, Prejudice, and Family Relationships. We assess regularly under three headings of making drama, performing drama, and responding to drama.
KS4
AQA GCSE Drama
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Acting)
We offer two different courses, both of which explore a highly sophisticated practical application of skills through performance. Both courses include a theoretical component, however, the GCSE course has a written examination, whilst BTEC is continually assessed.
KS5
AQA AS Drama and Theatre Studies
AQA A2 Drama and Theatre Studies
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) - AS
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) - A2
We offer two very different pathways in 6th form. In Theatre Studies we explore a diverse range of plays and theatre practitioners through a mixture of written and practical workshops, as well as experiencing live theatrical performances. Each year includes a performed assessment and written examination. In contrast, the BTEC Musical Theatre course offers development of the three core musical theatre elements of acting, singing and dancing through workshops, live performances and written work. This course is continually assessed.
Gifted and Talented Students
Pupils with a talent in this subject will show evidence of exceptional ability in the following:
- Making use of an extensive range of drama skills and techniques when making work and performing
- Demonstrating an understanding of theatre styles or genres
- Interpreting stimuli to create polished and controlled performances, demonstrating originality, flair and innovation
- Experimenting with defined performance skills of physicality, vocals and facial expressions
- Working with intense concentration, energy and focus when rehearsing, performing and observing others
- Their eagerness and enthusiasm to perform and talk about the drama in which they are engaged in at school and in a wider context
- Be able to write about theatre and performances they have seen in a highly analytical manner showing insight
Items of particular interest including those for Gifted and Talented students
- Theatrical workshops e.g. Splendid Productions.
- Numerous Theatre trips. Past trips include The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Kensington Gardens; Misterman at the National Theatre and Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre
- Drama Clubs
- Participation in whole School Productions, based on auditions. Our previous productions include West Side Story, Peter Pan, Oliver, Bugsy Malone, Toad of Toad Hall, Anything Goes and most recently The Servant of Two Masters with a modern twist
- International trips
- For KS3, used as Young Drama Leaders in their Drama lessons to assist and act as role models
- For KS5 responsibility of running a Drama Club for KS3 pupils
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