All students are taught drama in KS3 and it is a popular and successful examination option at Key Stages 4 and 5. We believe that drama develops our students’ confidence, social skills and creativity.

The drama curriculum constitutes the 3 key areas;  acting, directing and evaluating.

Acting:  the ability to engage and communicate with an audience in a dramatic presentation.

Directing:  the ability to generate and shape dramatic forms in order to explore and express ideas.

Coaching and Evaluating:  the ability to express understanding, discernment and appreciation of drama in all its forms. Students are encouraged to evaluate their own work and that of other students, on a regular basis.

The syllabus for drama work in years 7, 8 and 9 is intended to develop :
• Concentration and self control
• Social skills
• Confidence
• An understanding of the necessary behaviour and skills for drama to take place
• The ability to work with all other members of the class in a variety of ways
• An awareness of the individual’s responsibility to the group
• An acceptance of the variety of stimuli, forms and techniques that drama involves.
• An ability to select, structure and interpret information
• The knowledge that drama is not just performing, it is also creating, evaluating, watching and supporting.

Some examples of topics covered in Y7 :
• Bullying
• A Shakespeare play
• Darkwood Manor
• Monsters
• Greek Mythology
• Pantomime

There are after-school Drama Clubs for years 7 – 10 and a regular programme of theatre visits.  All Y7 students watch a performance given by the National Theatre in the Summer Term.  Students are able to perform their work at Specialist Status Evenings.

There are five full time specialist drama teachers and we all enjoy teaching in studios fitted with stage lighting.

The Department: 
Mr B Williams    Subject Leader
Ms Z Cooper      2i/c Drama
Ms D Spencer    Drama Teacher with responsibility for KS5
Miss H Keville    Drama Teacher with responsibility for KS4, SL Dance
Miss R Milton    Drama and Dance Teacher
Miss M Ferry     Drama Teacher