Drama and Theatre Studies
Drama is very popular at The Leys, as seen both in the classroom and in the wide variety of school productions each year. Drama is taught as a separate subject in Years 7 - 9 and as an option at GCSE and A-level. Many pupils also take LAMDA speech and acting lessons each evening, in which we achieve particularly good results.
Our drama facilities include a Theatre with rehearsal studio, classroom and fully-equipped hall and stage, as well as the main Drama department which has its own studio-theatre and classroom. Ambitious expansion plans over the next few years will see the department move into a brand-new theatre building.
Drama as a subject
British Theatre is a vibrant part of our national culture. Drama and Theatre Studies 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 three theatres in the city and London close-by, as well as our own Theatre.
Theatre Studies involves both practical and written work, making it a strong academic subject. Theory and practice combine to give the students greater awareness of the theatre arts 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 leading into most arts/humanities degree courses, as well as giving useful 'breadth' to a scientific path. It fits well with most potential careers including the arts, media, public relations, advertising, journalism, education and law.
A-level
The school follows the AQA syllabus for Drama and Theatre Studies. The written exams reflect a practical understanding of the theatre, and much of the study in class takes workshop form.
At AS-level, the course consists of:
40% of marks awarded for presentation of an extract from a play, working in a group. Candidates may offer skills as actors, directors or designers (costume, set, lighting and/or sound). The performances are supported by a portfolio of working notes.
60% of marks awarded by way of written exam on:
a) Understanding of one play from a performance perspective, focusing on both
acting and design; and
b) Appreciation of live theatre productions seen during the course, both acting
and design perspective.
At A2-level, the course consists of:
40% of marks awarded for presentation of an original piece of (devised) theatre, working in a group. Candidates may offer skills as actors, directors or designers. Candidates select and research a theatrical style for their performance, which is supported by a portfolio of working notes.
60% of marks awarded by way of written exam on:
a) One pre-twentieth century play from a performance perspective, focusing on
both acting and design; and
b) One twentieth century/contemporary play, focusing on detailed stage
realisation.
Regular trips to theatres in Cambridge, London and elsewhere are an important part of the course and pupils are strongly encouraged to participate in the non-academic productions at the school. Workshops with theatre professionals are arranged wherever possible. The school has a full-time Theatre Technician/Manager (Stage Management graduate) on the staff, who supports all technical aspects of the course.
Theatre Studies works well in combination with all other subjects, providing complementary study for disciplines such as History, English, Music and Art, as well as a good balance for Science and Social Science subjects.
Requirements
Pupils taking Drama and Theatre Studies at A-level will need at least Grade B in English GCSE. No previous experience of curriculum drama is required, but an active and keen interest in some aspect of the theatre is vital, whether it be acting, direction, stage management or design.
After A-level
A-level students may go on to study drama at university or drama in combination with another subject. The drama department here will help with university applications and drama school auditions. A number of recent A-level students have gained entry to top drama schools.
Lower School and GCSE
We give a broad introduction to drama in Year 7 and 8 (Moulton House), which extends into Year 9 where the emphasis is on practical work. Drama is taught as an optional academic GCSE subject in Years 10 and 11.
Staff
Mr Dominic Bell MA (Oxon), Advanced Cert. Speech and Drama (Central School) - Head of Department.
Ms Philipa Lees BA (Hons), GTTP - Drama teacher.
Mr Stephen Hancock MA
Mr Andrew Batterham BA (Hons)
Mr Paul Durose BA (Hons) - Senior Theatre Technician/Theatre Manager.