Drama and Theatre Studies

Drama is very popular at The Leys, 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 individual LAMDA speech and acting lessons, in which we achieve particularly good results.

Facilities

We have our own dedicated Drama Studio and classroom, as well as use of the Dance Studio and other venues around the school. Great Hall is our brand-new theatre, Drama Department and Performing Arts Centre, due to be completed in 2013. The exciting new building will contain a 300-seat professionally-equipped theatre, a 100-seat flexible 'black box' Drama studio, a new Dance studio, two Drama classrooms and another dedicated rehearsal studio, plus other new facilities for the school including a coffee shop.

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 three theatres in the city and London close-by.

Drama involves both practical and written work. Theory and practice combine to give a 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. We make regular trips to theatres in Cambridge, London and elsewhere, and all pupils are encouraged to participate in the extra-curricular productions at the school. In addition to the full-time teaching staff (plus two dedicated LAMDA tutors), work is supported by our in-house Theatre Manager, a Drama Graduate, an Assistant Technician, and visiting external practitioners.

GCSE

Pupils follow the AQA syllabus and explore a wide range of performance techniques and styles. They learn about stage movement and the use of voice, both in improvised and scripted drama. The emphasis is on practical lessons, which encourage increased self and group awareness, and the ability to appreciate and evaluate the work of others. The course seeks to develop creativity, self-confidence, self-discipline and communication skills. Theatre trips are also an integral part of the course.

Over two years, pupils will work in small groups on a number of different performance projects. These include performances of extracts from scripts, rehearsed improvisations and a Theatre-in-Education project. While coursework is predominantly acting, pupils may choose to offer other skills, including costume, lighting or sound. Pupils are assessed on both work in progress and final presentation. The best two project marks become their final coursework mark, which accounts for 60% overall.

As well as performances, there is an important written element. Pupils need to keep detailed notes on their rehearsal work, as well as evaluate their final performances. In the final exam, which accounts for 40% overall, candidates are required to answer questions based on the rehearsal and development of a piece of drama, as well as the final performance and design aspects of a set play.

A Level

Students follow the Edexcel syllabus.

At AS Level, the course consists of:

40% of marks are awarded for a practical exploration of two contrasting play texts, in context with the works of significant theatre practitioners. This internally-assessed unit also requires students to write a set of reflective practice-based notes and evaluate a live theatre performance.

60% of marks are awarded for performance, including a monologue or duologue, and a group performance of an excerpt from a play. Design candidates may offer costume, lighting, set and props, or sound design in support of the other performers. This unit is externally assessed.

At A2 Level, the course consists of:

40% of marks are awarded for a group performance of an original piece of devised theatre. Students are assessed as performers, designers or directors, or a combination of these roles. Candidates are assessed internally on both the rehearsal process and performance. They are required to research and evaluate their work in writing.

60% of marks are awarded by way of externally-assessed written examinations, including a study of the rehearsal and performance of one of a choice of three set plays, and an evaluation of the contemporary staging of a play from a particular historic period in comparison with the original staging conditions.

A Level Drama combines well with other arts subjects, as well as giving useful balance to science subjects. It fits well with most potential careers including the arts, media, public relations, advertising, journalism, education and law.

A steady stream of students go on to study Drama at university. A number have gained entry to major drama schools, including LAMDA, The Bristol Old Vic, Mountview, East 15, The Poor School, and the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts.

Staff

Dominic Bell MA(Oxon) : Director of Drama
Catherine Howe BA
Kerrie Walker BA : Drama Assistant
Paul Durose BA : Senior Theatre Technician
Stephanie Coxall BA : Technician

LAMDA Tutors:
Darin Mount MA
Hilary Bristow-Smith MA