Drama

Study of the Performing Arts enables pupils to develop innovative work as part of a group and as individuals. 

We seek to develop confidence throughout the year and offer a range of experiences in using and developing improvisation techniques, physical theatre skills, a range of text work and performance opportunities. Unlike many schools, Bede’s has no “house style” but instead believes in exposing pupils to the widest possible array of influences and teaching. The Department makes full use of technology utilising Google Classroom to create an online virtual learning environment further enhancing the experience of students with a passion for drama and theatre.

Those taking Drama as a GCSE will be assessed in performance, design and finally through the exam which makes up 40% of their assessment.  The A level programme focuses not only on the academic exploration of theatre but also on the vocational aspects of performance and production.  In addition to performing themselves, Theatre Studies pupils at Bede’s regularly have the opportunity to watch professional theatre and partake in workshops from highly regarded practitioners including residential courses and trips to the NSDF or Edinburgh Fringe and on-site workshops led by companies such as Punchdrunk and Frantic Assembly. 

Throughout their time at Bede’s, pupils studying Drama will have the opportunity to take at least one theatre visit each year.  Recently drama students have taken theatre trips to see Equus in London, Hedda Tesman and Macbeth at Chichester Festival Theatre, One Man, Two Guvnors at NST, Southampton, Nora: A Doll's House at the Young Vic, Tartuffe at the National and Dead Dog in a Suitcase at the Theatre Royal in Brighton.

A variety of enrichment options are available to senior students through the Co-Curricular programme. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in the national performance competitions run by the English Speaking Union as well as debating and a range of theatre-related activities, including performance in a range of productions each year, some of which are taken out to professional theatres.   

For those with a real passion for a particular aspect of drama and theatre there is also the option to complete an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) on areas of technical theatre such as set, lighting, sound, costume or directing. Recent such projects have included the direction and production of the German language play Sophie Scholl, involving both native and non-native speakers, experienced actors and those performing the first time.