Drama and Theatre Studies

Throughout the School’s history, theatre and performance have always played key roles in our educational culture and community.

The Drama Department takes its strength from the enduring enthusiasm and commitment to the subject from both staff and pupils and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of ability or background, can engage in practical, thought-provoking lessons. The aim is to nurture creativity and confidence through diverse activities, encouraging students to think, explore, and respond to new scenarios. By working collaboratively, students develop vital transferable skills, including empathy, resilience, and teamwork, equipping them for success both in and beyond the classroom.

We are very proud of our successes in placing pupils at nationally recognised drama and performing arts schools and we have a strong mentoring system in place for students who are looking to continue their studies into the professional world. In both GCSE and A Level, the department consistently exceeds the national average in examination results. 

Pupils and students of Drama play a major part in the thriving range of productions, activities and trips that are part of our extracurricular programme which you can find out about by clicking the link below.

Aims:

• Confidence & Communication - A command over their vocal and physical skills to allow them to approach a wide range of public speaking with confidence  

• Concentration - Working on intricate projects over extended periods of time  

• Empathy and sensitivity - Understanding the viewpoints and emotions of a range of characters  

• Cooperation and team-work skills - Getting the best out of each other when striving towards a common goal  

• Commitment and self-discipline - Encouraged and helped to excel when challenged, developing resilience and grit  

• Creativity - An understanding of the benefits of participation in the arts, performance and creativity.  

• Evaluation and appreciation - An appreciation of the ways in which playwrights achieve their effects and communicate their intentions to an audience and an ability to evaluate their own and others’ work. 

• Extra-curricular activities

• Provide a thorough preparation for KS4 and A Level examinations, ensuring each pupil achieves their full academic potential

• Enhance understanding and analysis of performance and design through visits to professional plays

• To encourage enthusiasm and enjoyment of drama, developing creative and

GCSE

Results for GCSE 2023-2024: 100% 9-6, 92% 9-7

Course Introduction

Pupils study the Eduqas GCSE course which strikes an exciting balance between exploration and theoretical study. Through practical workshops pupils study the working of a range of practitioners including Stanislavsky, Brecht, Artaud, Berkoff and Frantic Assembly. Pupils are required to complete two practical assessments and sit a written examination at the end of the course.

As part of the course pupils will also engage in several workshops with visiting practitioners, attend several live theatre productions and participate in a residential drama weekend at Rookesbury Park. 
 

A Level

Results for 2023-2024: 100% A*-B

Course Introduction

Drama at A Level builds on the practical and theoretical base established at GCSE. Students explore the language of theatre through the study of new practitioners such as Peter Brook, DV8, Punchdrunk and Complicité.  The study of three set texts enables students to explore the different facets of drama - practically as an actor, director and designer. Assessment is separated into three practical tasks and one written paper sat at the end of the Edexcel A Level course 

Entry requirements

Students need to have an enthusiasm for all aspects of theatre and be ready to tackle challenging practical explorations.  Grade B or above at GCSE is desirable. For those who did not undertake GCSE, then evidence of excellent drama skills will be taken into consideration. 

For more specific year-by-year information, please refer to our Curriculum Handbooks/Information Booklets. 

Staff

Head of Drama: Michael Glen

Other teachers of Drama and Theatre Studies: please select the relevant department on the dropdown menu to view our full staff list by clicking here.