Drama is delivered by 3 qualified Drama specialists.

The drama department has 2 Drama studios with lighting equipment and interactive whiteboards.  Drama studios can operate separately, or as one large room (this is used for GCSE and A-Level performances). The school atrium is also used for whole school drama productions which also has access to full computerised lighting and sound equipment

From June 09 the Academy will also have their own Dance studio

The Drama Department is an inclusive department where all ideas and talents are welcome and developed. You don’t have to want be a performer to enjoy Drama lessons. Drama lessons are for everyone to explore, develop, enjoy and improve their skills and talents in friendly surroundings, where you get the opportunity to learn about theatre, acting, mime, and physical theatre. All students have the opportunity to choose this subject at GCSE, and all are welcome to take part in lower school and whole school productions.

All students study drama as part of their Key Stage 3 curriculum .This covers a general introduction of skills followed by specific skills and themes.

YR 7 – Develop skills in role play, mime, script reading, team work, voice and movement control, evaluative skills – Themes include: Celebrations, Myths and Legends, a published play, mime, Silent Movies, performing poetry, dance. PSHCE topics – Family life, morals, personal choices.

Yr 8 – Continue developing role play skills, voice and movement control, mime, reading of play text, learning lines, team work, evaluative skills. Themes include: Melodrama, Commedia Del’Arte, physical theatre, study of a published modern play, performing raps. PSHCE topics – Teen troubles, relationships, homelessness.

Yr 9 – Development of voice and movement skills, role play, social awareness, team work, evaluation skills, understanding of theatre genres. Themes include: TiE project, study of a published play, performing Shakespeare, physical theatre, devising projects. PSHCE topics – growing up, social identity, morals.

In Key Stage 4 students can choose to follow Drama at GCSE level.

A brief structure of the course - EDEXCEL SPECIFICATION – GCSE DRAMA

YR 10 – Introduction to Drama at GCSE level, development of response, development and evaluative skills, development of performance skills – Topics include: Study of play text, Study of theatre styles, devising, responding to stimulus. ASSESSMENT: Paper 1, Unit 1 – Exploration of Drama through text. (poem, article, music, script, picture etc) – 30% of final GCSE mark. (Including portfolio writing).

YR 11 – Devising skills, evaluation skills – ASSESSMENT : Paper 1, Unit 2 – Exploration of Drama through play text (poss.: Blood Brothers), visit to a live theatre performance, writing portfolio = 30% of final GCSE mark.

Paper 2 preparation and assessment – PERFORMANCE EXAM – 40% of final GCSE mark. 

Key Stage 5 – EDEXCEL GCE DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES.

To take A level drama you must have a keen interest in theatre, be a confident performer, and be prepared to ‘put yourself out there’ on stage.

Yr 12 – Introduction to post 16 Drama, exploration of theatre styles, workshops trip to Theatre museum, study of various theatre practitioners, viewing of live theatre performance.

ASSESSMENT: Unit 1 – study of two published plays – practical exploration of plays, accompanied by written notes. (40%)

Unit 2: Performance (60%)

Section a) Performance of a MONOLOGUE / DUOLOGUE with accompanying performance notes.

Section b) Performance of a published play – GROUP.

YR 13 – Devising skills, exploration of theatre styles and further practitioners, viewing of a live theatre performance.

ASSESSMENT: Unit 4 – Devising a piece of original theatre – accompanied by notes – 40%

Unit 5 – practical exploration of a chosen play text – culminating in a final written assessment based on play studied, and a further play viewed live and studied in class. (60%)