The Dance and Drama Department offers students the opportunity to study Drama one hour per week in Key Stage 3. In this hour they develop not only acting skills such as focus, projections and characterisation, they also develop key leadership and independent learner skills. There is so much more than just acting in a Drama lesson and pupils thrive on the opportunity to perform and explore complicated issues in a safe environment.

 

At Key Stage 4 students can opt to take a drama and/or a dance GCSE. Both of which are heavily weighted on the practical side. In Dance, pupils have the opportunity to develop and enhance their choreography and performance skills, and in Drama, pupil develop further on their scripted, divided and improvisation. Pupils studying Drama can also be assessed on their technical skills such as sound and lighting.

 

At Key Stage 5 the pupils are offered either a subsidiary or 90 credit diploma in Performing Arts which is a vocational course with ample opportunities to perform and work with peers, external practioners or lead younger pupils.

 

The studio has portable lighting rigs and sound equipment and the students are encouraged to start using this equipment in Year 9 so that during their GCSE years they are well equipped to support their group and offer an excellent presentation.

 

The studio offers a thriving extra -curricular timetable with separate Dance Clubs for Year 7, 8 and 9. In the winter term a mixed Key Stage 3 Drama Club is offered and there is a show twice a year.

 

Shows are held either in the studio or in the main hall. The performance timetable for the studio is always very eventful with assessment shows, Christmas shows and end of term shows on the agenda.

 

Trips also form an important part of the development of our pupils and once a student has opted for Dance or Drama at Key Stage 4 or above, they enjoy the opportunity to develop their acting and dancing skills further with two trips per year to the West End or other local stages.

 

This Department is so much more than just Drama and Dance. It offers pupils the chance to explore and develop leadership and independent learning skills.