Drama plays a valuable role in the life of King James’s School.  It encourages a deeper understanding of social, spiritual and moral values; develops creativity, sensitivity and confidence. It affords students the opportunity for leadership, to work as part of a team and to create performances.  Most importantly though, students have the chance to experience the enjoyment that learning about drama and theatre can bring.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum encompasses a range of skills, conventions and theatre styles and students are assessed regularly via the Arts Council levels criteria. These skills are then further developed during Key Stage 4 where students may opt to take either the GCSE Drama course or the BTEC Certificate which is equivalent to two GCSEs. Students pursue a demanding and highly practical curriculum regardless of course choice. At Key Stage 5 students can continue their craft of theatre be selecting either AS/A2 Theatre Studies or BTEC National Diploma, also worth two A levels. The perception of the subject is very strong, and there is a strong sense of ethos. All of the courses offered within the department are highly popular choices at both GCSE and A level entry.