The Drama Department promotes a vibrant, respected and positive image of the subject. We value drama as a creative and practical art form: allowing students to gain confidence in themselves; function collaboratively and explore - within a supportive framework - human feeling, social situation and moral dilemma. Moreover, we strive to build a nexus between drama and theatre, neutrally enriching elements which enable the students to experience a multitude of dramatic activity.
Whilst we promote Drama first and foremost as a subject in its own right, we recognize the importance of adherence with the other art disciplines and we seek to develop links with other areas to consolidate a strong and coherent arts community.
Space and Resources
The Department has two teaching areas. Firstly, an octagon theatre (the Michael Thorp Theatre) built in 2001. It is equipped with sound, lights, gauze, cyclorama, staging projector and ICT resources. This environment encourages students to work in a professional and disciplined manner, producing an array of performance and excellent standards. There is also a second drama space (interactive whiteboard, sound and portable lighting and staging) and the assembly hall is used periodically, which also has sound and lighting equipment.
Public Performances
Over the course of an academic year GCSE and Post 16 students participate in public performances to demonstrate examination work.
- November Year 11 GCSE scripted pieces
- February Year 11 GCSE devised pieces
- March AS devised pieces
- April A2 scripted pieces
- July Year 10 GCSE Theatre in Education pieces (for feeder primary school students)
Please contact the College for more details.
Key Stage 3
The department strives to follow our initial philosophy; building a nexus between drama and theatre. We aim to provide clear and consistent schemes of work, which naturally evolve and challenge pupils as they progress through the Drama curriculum. We are committed to developing the subject content as a spiral; with each year group revisiting skills with increasing levels of complexity, control, depth and independence.
KS4 and Post 16
The GSCE AQA Drama specification gives pupils the opportunity to follow practical (60%) and written (40%) components which challenge each individual and reinforces a connection between drama and theatre. This is very similar to the expectations of the AQA GCE Drama & Theatre Studies specification (60% written and 40% practical); designed for pupils to progress from GCSE to GCE with precision and ease, and builds on skills, knowledge and understanding developed at GCSE. However, the AQA is also ideal for those who have not taken Drama at GCSE. Therefore, provision is made for pupils who do not necessarily have GCSE Drama but who wish to pursue it at AS or A2. Thus inductions at the beginning of schemes are used to enlighten individuals whom they may concern.
Extra Curricular
The Drama Department is committed to offering extra-curricular activities and clubs wherever and whenever practicable, considering the restraints of staffing, cost and time. Also, the examination classes and rehearsals must be carefully considered and prioritised.