The Drama Department seeks to promote the appreciation of Drama and Theatre throughout the school, both as a timetabled subject and an extracurricular activity. It aims to encourage an appreciation of and respect for drama of all eras and all genres.
Whether gifted in acting or technical areas such as light and sound, costume or make up, any contribution is welcomed. Skills of teamwork and communication are highly valued and independent learning is integral to the learning environment that is created by the department.
Drama is offered as a specialist subject throughout the school, from Upper III to GCSE, A level and IB.
- Upper III (Year 7) The syllabus is designed to encourage creativity and focus on physical control and other drama skills. Examples of schemes include ‘Greek Theatre’, ‘Scriptwork’ and ‘Exploring Historical Events through Drama’.
- Lower IV (Year 8) Examples of schemes include ‘Shakespeare in Performance’ and ‘Physical Theatre’. We also run a half day workshop which usually includes working with an external theatre professional.
- Upper IV (Year 9) Examples of schemes include ‘Performing Scriptwork’ and ‘Monologues: writing and performance’.
The Drama department organises at least one theatre trip every year for Upper III to Upper IV and aim to offer the opportunity for every student to attend if they wish. We offer a variety of trips throughout the year to examination groups in order to broaden our students’ experiences of live theatre in performance, ranging from Shakespeare at the RSC to Frantic Assembly at the Lyric Theatre and Red Cape Theatre.
We also offer the opportunity for our students to work with external theatre professionals and practitioners. Recent workshops include an introduction to Bouffon Theatre by Forte Theatre Company for the GCSE students and an introduction to Physical Theatre for the Lower IV (Year 8)by Pivotal Theatre. Following a trip to see ‘The Idiot Colony’, the A level students were lucky enough to participate in a workshop with Red Cape Theatre Company.
GCSE
Here at the Abbey we follow the WJEC Drama specification which fosters candidates’ creativity, personal growth, self confidence, communication and analytical skills through the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding and the exercise of the imagination.
At GCSE and A level/IB we expect that all students attend at least three of the trips organised by the department in preparation for their examinations.
To view our photo gallery please click here.