Drama
Drama is very popular, as seen both in the classroom and in the wide variety of School productions each year. Drama is taught as a seperate subject in Years 7-9 and an option at GCSE and A-Level. Many pupils also take LAMDA acting lessons each evening
Drama as a Subject
British Theatre is a vibrant part of our national culture. Drama provides opportunities to explore all aspects of performance, creative group work and theatre design. The Leys is ideally placed in Cambridge with its enormous range of dramatic activities, including four theatres in the city and London close-by, as well as our own theatre.
Theatre Studies involves both practical and written work. Theory and practice combine to give the students greater awareness of the arts of the theatre and ways of lifting a play from page to stage. Students are expected to have a lively and keen interest in some aspect of theatre, as well as being enthusiastic about reading and studying literature/plays, delving into theatre history, visiting the theatre and most importantly, working as part of a creative team.
Drama is ideal for developing communication, presentation and confidence skills, and at A-Level is suitable for most arts/humanities degree courses, as well as giving useful 'breath' to a scientific path. It fits well with most careers including the arts, media, public relations, advertising, journalism, education and law.Major Topics
Years 7/8: improvisation, pantomime, Greek chorus, Medieval Mystery play, extended performance projects.
Year 9: developing a character through improvisation and scripted work; acting Shakespeare; Melodrama; making a Soap.
Years 10/11: (AQA GCSE): Practical exploration of a full length play; visits to the theatre and production analysis; a series of performance projects, both scripted and devised.
Sixth Form: (AQA A-level in Drama and Theatre Studies).
AS: practical exploration of a classical and a modern play; analysis of live productions; practical study of a major theatrical practitioner; devised practical acting project.
A2: classical and modern play; study of theatre practitioner through practical work and productions seen; scripted acting project.
Staff
Mr Dominic Bell MA (Oxon), Advanced Cert. Speech & Drama (Central School)
Miss Phillipa Lees BA (Hons)
Mr Stephen Hancock MA
Mr Andrew Batterham BA (Hons)
Mr Paul Durose BA (Hons) - Senior Theatre Technician/Theatre Manager