The Drama department is a vibrant hub of creative activity offering Edexcel GCSE Drama, and A-Level Drama and Theatre. Participating in the dramatic experience provides opportunities for pupils to cooperate, listen to and accept the viewpoints and contributions of others.
The curriculum includes the study of influential Drama practitioners such as Stanislavski, Artaud, Grotowski and Brecht. It embraces classical theatre and draws upon contemporary issues and material that young people can relate to in the modern world.
The examination courses contain practical work and in-depth written analysis, meaning it is a challenging and demanding discipline both intellectually and artistically. It is a highly popular option choice, particularly at GCSE, where on average there are over 20 pupils in each cohort. There is a focus on the study of set texts, examining the script from the point of view of designer, director, writer and actor.
Art is not a mirror to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.
Bertolt Brecht
All Key Stage 3 pupils study the subject for a double lesson each week. Creating a devised piece of work hones skills in team building, decision-making, problem solving and leadership. The Drama department has a well-established tradition of co-curricular events. The College musical is an inclusive and exhilarating piece of theatre whereby all year groups can participate and enjoy the rich rewards of the drama experience.
Past productions have included ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Into the Woods’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and most recently Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Pupils also stage classical and modern plays such as ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘Love and Hate: Tales from the Bard’, ‘The Crucible’, ‘Unman, Wittering and Zigo’, and the pantomime ‘Cinderella’.
The department also benefits greatly from the school’s central London location, which means we can take pupils on a wide variety of theatre trips. We also offer individual lessons in preparation for Trinity Guildhall Speech and Drama exams.