Drama

Drama is a subject within the Performing Arts Faculty that allows students to undertake a wide range of Drama performances both inside the classroom and through a number of extra-curricular opportunities.

Key Stage 3 

At Key Stage 3 students have one lesson of Drama each week which is primarily practical in nature. Students explore a range of skills, stimuli and scripts in order to develop creative ideas and performance skills. Students are assessed through rehearsal, performance and reflection.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students study the two-year iGCSE Cambridge qualification. Throughout this course students will explore monologues, scripted extracts and devised performances that will contribute to 60% of the overall grade. Students will then study two set texts and respond to these from the perspective or a designer, director and performer in the final written examination.

Key Stage 5/Sixth Form

At Key Stage 5 students study the two-year AQA A Level Drama and Theatre Studies course. Students will explore a number of contrasting play scripts and interpret how they can translate from page to stage. Students will also devise a piece of original theatre based on a stimulus and influenced by a theatre practitioner. Finally students will study two play texts and analyse live theatre in preparation for the final written examination.

Students also have the option to study the Level 3 CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) Diploma. Students can follow one of three pathways; Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre with the courses aim being to prepare students for the performing arts industry. Examples of units available are: Acting for camera, Audition techniques, Drama in the community, Vocal techniques, Working with masks or puppetry, Approaches to acting and many more.

LAMDA

All students also have the option to enter for their LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) Acting examinations from Grades 2-8. Students are required to memorise two monologues that will be performed in front of a visiting examiner before being asked questions regarding their understanding of the extract.