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Drama

Drama at St Columba’s allows students to explore the captivating world of theatrical arts.

This engaging and dynamic subject introduces students to a range of theatrical techniques, genres, and performance skills, nurturing their creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. We encourage parents and guardians to take an active interest in their child’s learning, and attending live theatre productions, from amateur to professional shows, can greatly enhance their understanding and appreciation of the art form.

Prep

Drama: Prep

There are many opportunities during the year for audiences to see the pupils appearing ‘on stage’. Even in Reception, our youngest pupils will become accustomed to standing in front of others to sing and perform.

Weekly class assemblies on Fridays provide the opportunity to develop performance skills and clear public speaking. The children notably develop in self-confidence so that, by the time they are in Prep 2, they are performing the main roles in the Lower Prep Nativity. Drama is taught from Prep Four within the curriculum and Prep 5&6 Performing Arts lessons is allows our pupils specialist access to the Senior classrooms and staff. Our largest production takes place in the Trinity Term and involves all the pupils in Prep 5 and 6. Many different musicals have been performed, including ‘The Wind in the Willows’ and ‘The Pirates of Penzance’. It is certainly the case that, whatever the play, the standard of performance is very high and the shows create memories that will last a lifetime.

Senior

Drama: Senior

Course Description

Drama is an engaging and dynamic subject which introduces students to a range of theatrical techniques, genres, classic and modern styles and performance skills. It nurtures creativity, collaboration and self-expression, developing students’ communication, physical and vocal skills.

Curriculum Overview

At the beginning of Key stage Three, students embark on a journey of learning that aims to establish a love of the subject and provide them with the tools required for further study at GCSE and A-Level. They are introduced to a new scheme of learning each half term from Silent Film and Stage Combat in Form 1, to Commedia Dell’arte and Physical Theatre in Form 2 and Modern Theatre and Devising Drama in Form 3.

What are the unique selling points of this subject at St Columba’s College?

Drama at St Columba’s is taught in a purpose built black-box drama studio with a sound system and lighting rig. Like many schools, in Form 1 and 2 students have one lesson per week, but uniquely, here in Form 3 those who choose to continue studying it will have two lessons per week, providing a wonderfully rich opportunity for extra study with like-minded students. Drama is proving a popular choice for continued study in Form 3 and GCSE, with the A Level course attracting our own Columbans and external students alike. Outside of lessons we offer opportunities to be involved in the annual college production and the Columban Actor’s Society.

How are the students assessed?

Assessment is based on collaborating in practical projects, performances and written reflection, allowing students to showcase their growth through the year.

Home Learning

Home learning in Forms 1 to 3 is set when necessary and may take the form of researching a key practitioner, sourcing a prop or costume or learning lines. At GCSE and A Level home-learning is set weekly. Students will keep regular practitioner or devising log books, carry out research tasks, work on sections of coursework and learn lines.

How can parents/guardians support their child’s learning?

Taking an interest in your child’s learning is a great support and really helps cement key learning for students. Watching theatre live at a venue is always useful, from smaller amateur productions to larger scale, professional shows.

Useful Links

BBC Bitesize for GCSE Drama, Drama Online Library.

Sixth Form

Drama & Theatre: Sixth Form

Why choose Drama & Theatre?

If you enjoy the excitement of performing in front of a live audience and have a passion for the practical aspects of Drama, from acting to set, lighting and sound design, then this subject offers you a broad range of opportunities. Drama and Theatre is a practical ‘hands-on’ subject with a strong academic profile.

As well as acting in plays, you will explore live productions, playwrights and practitioners from a variety of times and genres. Many former students have gone on to top Russell Group universities, often with Drama and Theatre being their highest grade, securing them a place. Former students have gone on to read English at Cambridge, Law at Bristol, and Medicine at Imperial College London. Other students, who choose to work in the entertainment industry, via the Central School of Speech and Drama, and have gone on to successful careers on stage, and in television and film.

This subject offers you a broad range of opportunities. Drama and Theatre is a practical ‘hands-on’ subject with a strong academic profile.

What will you learn?

  • How to devise theatre and develop your own performances and productions.
  • How to design set, lighting, costumes and sound.
  • Different rehearsal techniques.
  • Key skills in performance, and different style of acting, from tragedy to comedy.
  • You will gain a depth of knowledge about key practitioners and pioneers in theatre, from Brecht to Shakespeare
  • From watching live productions you will learn about all aspects of theatre – ‘total theatre’
  • The historical and social context of theatre
  • How to approach a play text as a theatre director
  • In a media age, you will gain advantages in learning how to present yourself with confidence and vocal skills

Entry Requirement

Grade 6 or higher in English literature or language. Please see Mr Garnett if you would like more information on this new course.

Exam Board and Syllabus
Edexcel 9DR0

Curriculum Subjects

  • Art & Design
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Contact Us

St Columba’s College,
King Harry Lane,
St Albans,
Hertfordshire,
AL3 4AW

Transport & Directions

Tel: 01727 855185

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