Drama and Performing Arts
Summary
Drama offers a creative and challenging course balancing academic rigour with practical expertise.
In KS3 pupils will study Dance; Singing for Stage; Theatre Technology, and Voice as well as exploring Improvisation and dramatic texts. This will enable them to develop and present their work in a polished and professional way.
Pupils who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding of theatre can progress to GCSE Drama. There is no expectation that pupils will have a career in performance; this is not an acting course and offers a wide range of technical and support options in which pupils can specialise as well as the opportunity to try a number of performance styles. Drama also develops their collaborative skills, individual creativity and sense of commitment to a project.
Courses Taught
AQA GCSE Drama
AQA AS and A Level Drama and Theatre Studies
Drama gives pupils experience in many of the personal, social and communication skills required in working co-operatively and creatively with others. During both courses, they will:
- Visit the Theatre and analyse the impact the performance has had on them as an audience member.
- Demonstrate a range of practical skills which may include devising; improvising; acting; physical theatre; sound; lighting; costume; make-up; puppets, and masks.
- Learn to write effectively about the work that they have seen and done.
Case study
St John’s College Sixth Form student Katherine Bement is celebrating after she auditioned against 4,600 other hopefuls and won a place on the National Youth Theatre’s Summer Programme.
Katherine, aged 17, auditioned against 4,600 other young people in the February half-term, and in April received the news that her monologue had impressed judges enough for a place on the National Youth Theatre’s (NYT) Summer Programme. The programme is a two-week acting course at Bruford College of Theatre Performance, near London, from 14 – 26 August.
Katherine, originally from Wales, joined St John’s College in 2006 and is now studying AS Levels in Drama, French, Politics and English Literature. Since 2010 Katherine has played starring roles in every School Production including ‘Confusions’ a play by Alan Ayckbourn; Molière’s ‘Tartuffe’, and this year’s production of ‘O What a Lovely War’.
After university Katherine hopes to apply to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, so this opportunity will give Katherine the skills and experience she will need for her application and audition. Katherine comments, “When I received the news that I had won a place I was ecstatic – I couldn’t believe it. I have always dreamed of having a career in theatre, so an opportunity to learn from the National Youth Theatre is really special. I’m looking forward to the whole experience – meeting and working with new people, and also spending time in London.”
Ms Erica Morley is Katherine’s Drama teacher and comments, “This is a real achievement. Katherine represents a special talent – she is an exceptional performer and has worked hard this year so really deserves this opportunity.”
On completion of the Summer Programme Katherine will become a member of the NYT and will have the opportunity to audition for productions, which are performed all over the world.
