‘The most valuable asset a nation has is the creativity of its children.’ Alan Plater (playwright)

In Drama students work together imaginatively and creatively, developing and communicating ideas through performance, reflecting on their own and others’ work, and exploring social, historical and cultural influences on the dramatic arts. Drama allows students to share in the exploration of issues concerning the world around them, it encourages them to broaden their minds and to empathise with others.

Many of the skills learnt in this subject are transferable. Students will develop their communication and interpersonal skills, build their team spirit and learn to solve creative problems. 

‘Imagining what it is like to be someone other than yourself is at the core of our humanity, it is the essence of compassion, and it is the beginning of morality.’ Ian McEwan (writer)

KS3: Year 7 and 8

Students have weekly lessons in year 7 and fortnightly lessons in year 8. Over the course of the two years students will be introduced to the key drama skills; cooperation, concentration, communication, confidence and creativity. They will devise their own drama, explore play texts, be introduced to Shakespeare and will discover different drama forms and genre. Students will work on developing character and performance skills and will regularly present their work to peers.

Year 9: Option subject

Students who opt to continue Drama in year 9 have three lessons a fortnight. Over the year students will undertake activities which will continue to develop their key drama skills and will prepare them for the GCSE Drama course. As well as developing the skills gained in year 7 and 8 - devising, interpreting play texts, exploring form and context, developing performance and characterisation skills - students will be introduced to different drama conventions and will undertake a final performance project.

GCSE: AQA

At KS4 students opt for Drama. Over the two year course students will work in groups to explore new techniques, ideas, issues and stories; explore scripts and how they might be staged; devise pieces of drama inspired by many different stimuli materials, including images, music and objects; keep a record of their understanding and ideas in a written portfolio and visit the theatre to explore how productions create meaning.

The syllabus is divided into 3 components: component 1 is a written exam on a play text studied and a live theatre production seen during the two year course, component 2 requires students to devise their own performance in response to stimulus and complete a written log and component 3 involves students performing two extracts from the same published text to a visiting examiner.

A Level: AQA

Students will have the opportunity to explore practically the theoretical elements of drama, theatre and theatrical convention. This is a demanding subject that requires in depth research, attendance at live theatre and critical and evaluative skills.

A  Level Drama and Theatre Studies is divided into 3 components.

For component 1, students undertake a written exam where they respond to a Live Theatre production they have seen and answer questions on two play texts they have studied in class.

Component 2 involves the presentation of a devised performance in a theatrical style of the students’ choice. Each group is totally responsible for all aspects of the devised work which should realise clear dramatic intentions for an audience.

Component 3 requires students to explore and investigate three extracts taken from different plays and realise the extracts in performance. The final piece is presented to an audience, a visiting moderator and class teacher.

Progression and Career Opportunities

You could choose to continue studying Drama at College or University.

The communication and inter-personal skills acquired through drama are becoming increasingly sought after by employers. The skills you will build working with others are transferable to any work or study context.

Extra-Curricular

We have a strong belief that extra-curricular activities are a great benefit to young people and encourage as many students as possible to take part. Through being involved in extra-curricular performing arts students gain skills in time-management, prioritising, long term commitment and collaboration. Taking part in these activities can also help build self esteem, a sense of a community as well as diversify students interests.  They also look great for job, college and university applications!

There are lots of opportunities for students to be involved in performances throughout the year. We also look for as many opportunities as possible to take students to the theatre.