The Drama team consists of:-

• Mr Whorriskey (Head of Department)
• Miss Ratcliffe
• Mr Bell
• Mrs Peduru
• Miss Longdon

At key stage 3, Year 7 and 8 students have one lesson per week. The topics that we currently study at Key stage 3 are diverse to engage and inspire, but skills required at GCSE are also developed and embedded. In Year 7 students study fundamental performance skills in ‘Elements of Drama’, the play The Terrible Fate of Humpty Dumpty, Mime, Puppetry and Devising original work. Year 8 students study theatrical technical elements, Theatre in Education, Devised performances and study the play ‘Blood Brothers’.

At KS4 we are studying the AQA GCSE Drama specification. The course covers a practical exploration of different performance styles, live theatre review, the practical interpretation of the play ‘Noughts and Crosses’ by Dominic Cooke, devising original work and the performance of play extracts.

At KS5 we are studying the AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies. A specification covering: A practical exploration of theatre practitioners, Live Theatre Review, Devising Original Drama, ‘Jerusalem' by Jez Butterworth and ‘Our Country’s Good’ by Timberlake Wertenbaker.

What skills do students acquire?

Students develop essential skills in creative thinking, collaboration, presenting and problem solving. They develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers. Analysis and evaluation are built in to the subject and developed throughout. Physical and vocal skills are developed and refined, which will serve students well in the current work place, which more and more frequently requires face to face presentations. Students can develop their confidence through frequent performances and their oracy, as they critically analyse and debate the merit of performance work created at school and in professional productions.

Are there any enrichment opportunities?

We have Drama Club on Monday mornings for Year 7 & 8 students. KS4/5 Drama Club (The Actor’s Studio) takes place on Wednesday Mornings. We have an annual School Musical and run frequent theatre trips.

We run support and study skills sessions for GCSE & A Level students, to help them to prepare for their examinations.

Mr J Whorriskey - Head of Drama