Our rich and dynamic theatrical curriculum inspires pupils to explore their dramatic and expressive capabilities.
The Drama and Theatre department excites and energises pupils by offering a wide range of theatrical opportunities in our professional-standard theatre and drama studio. We aim to inspire confidence in every pupil, not just in their Drama lessons, but in everything they aspire to do.
At GCSE and A level, we encourage pupils to develop their interests and their enjoyment of Drama through practical activity, which complements and informs their written work. Their studies are supported by regular theatre trips and access to professional theatre workshops. The practical coursework at both GCSE and A level allows pupils to be assessed as actors, lighting and sound technicians or costume and set designers. Drama and Theatre A level provides a route into university for a wide range of subjects predominantly, although not exclusively, in the arts and humanities.
We also offer Drama scholarships, which enable aspirational pupils to achieve the professional standards set by the performing arts industry.
The department encourages and supports a busy extra-curricular programme. Pupils relish the opportunity to take part in the many high-quality productions we stage in our 300-seat theatre. Large numbers of pupils audition and take part in the main school productions, and many more volunteer to help behind the scenes or in front-of-house roles. Pupils can opt to take LAMDA lessons, join the Drama Society or audition for the annual Sixth Form production – or take part in the many ‘house’ plays hosted within the department throughout the year.
Recently, pupils have secured places to pursue acting and technical careers at some of the world’s top drama schools, including RADA, Guildhall, CENTRAL, Pace (New York) and New School (New York). Our pupils have also gained places in the National Youth Theatre for acting and costume design.