The Drama Department aims to engage and enthuse all pupils in the practical study of Drama and Theatre Arts.

Key Stage 3

Drama is taught to all pupils in Years 7 to 9 once a week. Pupils explore a range of styles and techniques, including improvisation, script, teacher in role, devising, genres, stage fighting, mime and dance. All Year 7 pupils have the opportunity to perform in a fully staged production for their parents, and in Year 9 pupils prepare a piece for the Inter-House Drama Competition.

Key Stage 4

Pupils study the AQA specification at GCSE, which includes final examination polished performances of both scripted and devised work, as well as a written paper and coursework based on reviewing productions pupils have seen as part of the course.

Productions

School productions include the annual Christmas Cabarets and Sketch Shows. GCSE exam work includes Art, Habeas Corpus and Entertaining Mr Sloane. Whole school productions, worked on in Drama Club, include Black Comedy, The Real Inspector Hound, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole and Bugsy Malone.

Extra-Curricular Drama

Pupils from all year groups are given the opportunity to attend theatre trips to the West End and fringe theatres, often with follow up workshops, tours of the theatre and meeting the cast; as well as participating in regular masterclasses from visiting experts, performers and practitioners. Pupils from North Bridge House are also given the opportunity to work with other pupils from the Cognita Group as part of the Gifted and Talented network, and future projects include the Cognita Comedy Festival and a 2009 Cognita Summer Drama School.