Drama and Theatre Studies


Drama is taught in Years 7, 8 and 9 and then as a GCSE option from Year 10 where it is a popular and successful subject. The work done in the lower school feeds into the Edexcel syllabus and provides pupils with theopportunity to develop strong devising skills, while learning about different acting styles through theme and issue based topics.

At AS and A level, students follow the AQA syllabus which allows them to explore theatre practitioners, set texts and to perform both devised and scripted work.
 
Throughout the School, there are opportunities for students to develop their skills in sound, lighting, costume and set design and to be examined in these skills if desired.
 
Workshops assist pupils in their development of skills and include English Touring Theatre, Trestle Theatre Company, Lighting and Actor led workshops.
 
Live Theatre
Performance is a popular and vibrant area of school life. The Summer Musical is arguably the showcase of the year, with students from Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 taking part as actors, dancers, backstage crew and band   members. Recent productions include Sweeney Todd, Crazy for You, Anything Goes, Grease, Oklahoma,  Kiss me Kate, Singin’ in the Rain and West Side Story. This event is well supported within the wider community, reaching large audiences. Local musicians supplement our own band.
 
In November each year, a more classical play is performed at school by the senior pupils. Recent productions include Under Milk Wood, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Our Country’s Good, The Crucible, The Threepenny Opera, Oh What a Lovely War and The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
 
GCSE and A level students showcase their work throughout the year, in informal lunchtime performances and in evening opportunities where parents and prospective students can get a taste of the subject. Sixth Form students perform challenging texts and devised work is always thought provoking and professionally produced.
 
Frequent theatre trips are arranged to the West End, to local theatres and to Southampton, Chichester, Portsmouth and Salisbury.