The History of the Department

The Drama department was established, in its current form, as a separate subject, in 1999. Prior to that time the subject had only been taught under the umbrella of the English department. The English department continue to teach aspects of drama within their subject. Drama, along with Art and Music, make up the Creative Arts Faculty.

Since its conception, the department has gone from strength to strength.
In 2004, the first cohort of 22 pupils sat their GCSE exam; the learners achieved 100% pass, 19 of which gained A* - C grades. In 2006, the first ‘A’ Level cohort sat their exams; the 5 learners achieved 100% pass with 4 obtaining ‘A’ grades and 1, a ‘B’ grade. Similar results have been achieved year on year.

At key stage 3, pupils are taught for 1 x 50 minute lesson per week, across the ability range.

At key stage 4, it is offered as an option choice, and has an allocation of 3 x 50 minute lessons, where the learners follow the WJEC syllabus.

At key stage 5, it is offered as an ‘A’ level course, and has an allocation of 5 x 50 minute lessons (Year 12 and 13 combined). This is not an ideal scenario because of the diversity of both courses. The learners follow the WJEC syllabi.

At each key stage the Drama schemes of work are taught in a predominantly practical way, where possible; almost entirely so at key stage 3.
At key stage 4 lessons are delivered in workshop form, beginning with a warm-up appropriate to the nature and demands of the ensuing exercises and activities. Learners are expected to participate fully in all activities.
At key stage 5, the practical work is taught in workshop style in the main. Textual analysis is usually teacher driven, with purposeful debate encouraged. Learners are expected to engage in private research and study, to enhance their learning.

The department has a strong tradition of extra-curricular activities and learners are offered a wide range of theatrical experiences; with musicals, plays and workshop performances to perform in. Many of our learners regularly audition for work in television. The school itself was the subject of a BBC documentary entitled ‘Breaking Away’, where the school production of ‘Anything Goes’ was the focus of one of the programmes in the series.

There are regular theatre trips offered across the age range. They are arranged to enhance the learners’ experience of live theatre in various genres. It is also important for the synoptic element of the examination courses.

Learners are encouraged to take part in residential drama courses, workshops and T.I.E productions, usually performed for the visiting Primary feeder schools, as part of our transition policy. In addition, staff from the department go into Primary schools to deliver workshops and offer additional drama support/training for our Primary colleagues..

There is one full time teacher within the department. The department regularly mentors students from our partnership university, UWIC, each year.

A Level results 2005/2006: 4A, 1B
A Level results 2006/2007: 2A, 4B
A Level results 2007/2008: 1A, 1B