Mrs B Bray (Teacher In Charge)

Miss J Nickisson

Drama allows the girls to explore a variety of themes in an environment which is removed from their own personal feelings. Pupils are encouraged to adopt characters of different beliefs and status, building their presentational skills and confidence, whilst developing a love of theatre.

In Year 9, the girls are exposed to a wide variety of genres and styles, ranging from Greek tragedy to melodrama, pantomime and physical theatre. This one lesson a week option subject introduces the girls to Drama, encouraging team building, dividing responsibilities within a group and shows the girls how to use a variety of dramatic techniques when presenting themselves to an audience.

GCSE Drama is a popular choice. Studying the AQA syllabus, pupils build on techniques learned in Year Nine in more detail. In groups, the girls are assessed on both devised and scripted practical work for their commitment to rehearsals and for the final presentation. They also study several set texts from the point of view of a director, learning to focus on the finer details of performance, with reference to context and staging.

It is a requirement of the course that the girls see live theatre and many opportunities are made available to the girls to do so. They then are shown how to critique these performances. The written aspects of the course are assessed in a two hour final examination in the summer of Year 11.

In the Sixth Form, we continue with the AQA syllabus for AS and A2 examination. This has a practical element which is externally moderated, but half of the marks are gained through the rehearsal process and a working portfolio. At AS, the practical work is devised and at A2 it is scripted.

Pupils also study practitioners. They must respond to at least two set texts a year from a directorial point of view and they must critique a wide range of theatre and learn to become discerning theatre goers. This course is diverse and allows pupils to be creative and analytical of their creations and those of others.

The Drama department also runs a variety of extra curricular trips, workshops and the annual school production. The girls are extremely committed and enthusiastic regarding Drama and their energy is encouraged. The school has a fully equipped stage, which is used for assemblies and productions. Lessons are taught in a large studio, with blackout facilities and a lighting rig.