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 pupils the opportunity
for leadership, to work as part of a team and to
create performances. Most importantly though, pupils
have the chance to experience the enjoyment that
learning about drama and theatre can bring.
In curricular work there is a tradition
of excellent results and the intake at GCSE level is
very high. At A Level there is a significant uptake
of the course with a history of high passes. Extra
curricular opportunities in drama are many and varied
and allow all pupils the chance for involvement in
performances and productions throughout the academic
year. House Drama is an annual event involving scores
of students from all years who produce performances
to complete for the prestigious House Drama shield.
Our full-scale school productions seta very high standard
each year.
Drama is taught as a discrete subject
to all students in Years 7, 8 and 9. Students explore
many theatrical skills and styles, from Greek Theatre
to Victorian Melodrama, and also practically explore
the theories of contemporary theatre practitioners
such as Peter Brook and Stanislavski.
At KS4 students are able to opt for GCSE
Drama (AQA) or the BTEC Performing Arts course, which
is worth two GCSEs. Through both courses students access
a diverse range of performing styles and techniques
and are assessed through both practical coursework
and written analysis. We believe greatly in students
learning through practice and experience and being
able to express their understanding using the terminology
of professional theatre.
The same can be said for the Advanced
courses on offer through the sixth form. The Drama
& Theatre Studies course enables students to develop
their own style of performance and discover first-hand
what it takes to create live, challenging theatre
in differing environments.
The school boasts exceptional facilities for drama.
The Drama Tower, which opened in
January 2006, houses three dedicated teaching and performance
spaces.
The three floors are professionally-themed to create
a truly theatrical environment with illuminated poster
frames, lighting, plush carpet and handrails.
More information on the work of our Drama Department
can be found at www.dramadepartment.co.uk.
