The study of drama as a discrete subject not only offers pupils a broader understanding of theatrical form and genre but it also enables them to prepare for the wider world as they develop confidence and the performance skills to help them in a variety of fields, as well as the team-working and evaluation skills required in most walks of life.

As with music, all pupils are taught drama as a core part of the curriculum form Year 7 to Year 9, after which they can take GCSE and A Level as one of their optional subjects. Our teaching strives to achieve a practical application of theoretical-based content across a variety of dramatic forms from Ancient Greek theatre and the work of Sophocles to the modern work of Caryl Churchill and the skills of physical theatre through our links with Frantic Assembly.

We aim to imbue pupils with the skills to compare and contrast various genres, from naturalism and Stanislavski to surrealism and absurdist theatre. Drama lets pupils explore in a more practical way the key themes of many other subjects, from staging Shakespeare’s texts through to examining the real-life impact of being an evacuee during the Second World War.

The Drama Department also works closely with the Music Department under the Performing Arts umbrella to collaborate with onstage performances, theatre trips and tours.