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 KS3 :

• Greek Theatre and Mythology

• Macbeth

• Darkwood Manor

• 'Oliver'

• Boal & Didactic Theatre

• Pantomime, Silent Movies & Melodrama

There are regular opportunities for students to perform within and outside of school. 
This year we will be staging the musical, 'Oliver Twist' with performers ranging from
years 7-12. 
We are in conjunction with the Old Vic, who run regular workshops for our Gifted & Talented students who also attend regular trips to see the whole season at the Old Vic with reduced-rate tickets! 
We have a large department of specialist Drama teachers who have the luxury of working in Drama studios, better equipped than some Universities and FE Colleges!  With the school’s Specialist Status in Performing Arts, we really are at the heart of the school life and the community.

The Department 2012/2013:

• "Within our lessons and extra-curricular sessions, students have full opportunity to express themselves and explore their own creativity with frequent trips, clubs and school production on offer. We believe every student can succeed in exploring issues which affect them with creativity, co-operation and experimentation."

  Drama Subject Leader - Zoe Cooper