Drama

Reception - Year 2

Children are encouraged to express and communicate their ideas, thoughts and feelings through imaginative movement and role plays. The use of available resources to create props to support role play is encouraged.

All pupils take part in our annual nativity play. Potential talent in this area is recognised and encouraged, with opportunities to speak and perform at regular concerts and assemblies.

Years 3 & 4

Drama is introduced through English lessons in Year 3, as children are encouraged to express themselves through drama and speaking activities.

In Year 4, children analyse play scripts as part of their English studies, which links to the Year 4 play, in which all pupils have the opportunity to participate.

LAMDA speech and drama lessons are available as an extra-curricular activity. Many children also take LAMDA exams at school, for which we are proud to have a 100% pass rate over an impressive number of years, with many achieving a Merit or Distinction.

Years 5 & 6

Year 5 pupils begin to work towards a higher standard of drama, building basic skills of organisation and acquiring an understanding of how a play becomes a performance. Awareness of language, teamwork and problem solving is introduced with elements of physical theatre and use of space.

Pupils use drama to explore ideas that occur in every day life, studying topics such as Physical Drama and the Titanic.

Year 6 pupils further enhance their performance skills whilst understanding what is required to become a skilful actor. Pupils acquire an understanding of Shakespeare and his influence on Drama and study Macbeth. The use of vocal skills, masks, body language and interaction allows pupils to use drama as a tool whereby a message can be portrayed.

LAMDA speech and drama lessons are available as an extra-curricular activity. Many children also take LAMDA exams at school, for which we are proud to have a 100% pass rate over an impressive number of years, with many achieving a Merit or Distinction.

Drama Scholarships and Awards are available for Year 7 & 9 entry

Years 7 & 8

Pupils are encouraged to deliver depth in their performances and are able to use ‘Issue Drama’ and ‘Stage Drama’ to illustrate what can be achieved through the medium of drama.

Issues such as Gender and World War I are studied, allowing the serious nature of the topics to be conveyed with depth through performance.

Pupils are invited to audition for the annual Year 7 & 8 production.

LAMDA speech and drama lessons also continue to be available as a co-curricular activity. 

Year 9

Drama is studied in Year 9 by all pupils and there are a number of opportunities to get involved with Drama as a co-curricular opportunity including the Year 9 and 10 play, and the annual Senior School drama production.

Productions also provide the opportunity for pupils to get involved backstage; from hair, makeup, lighting, wardrobe, sound and staging, as well as music, directing and choreography.

Drama coaching and LAMDA speech and drama lessons also continue to be available as a co-curricular activity. 

Years 10 & 11

Drama can be studied as an option at GCSE Level, with acting for performance a major component part of the examination.

There are a number of opportunities to get involved with Drama as a co-curricular opportunity including the Year 9 and 10 play, and the annual Senior School drama production.

Productions also provide the opportunity for pupils to get involved backstage; from hair, makeup, lighting, wardrobe, sound and staging, as well as music, directing and choreography.

Drama coaching and LAMDA speech and drama lessons also continue to be available as a co-curricular activity.
 

Drama Scholarships and Awards are available for Year 12 entry.

Years 12 & 13

Drama Scholarships are available for Year 12 entry and Drama can be studied as an A Level option in the Sixth Form.

Drama coaching and LAMDA speech and drama lessons continue to be available as a co-curricular activity. 

Pupils may join the cast of the annual Senior School production, where there are also opportunities for pupils to get involved backstage; from hair, makeup, lighting, wardrobe, sound and staging, as well as music, directing and choreography.

Expert advice is given to those wishing to study Drama at university and we have a successful track record of preparing our students well for National Youth Theatre auditions.