Drama
“Many people would sooner die than think; in fact they do so”. – Bertrand Russell
Philosophy, Ethics and Religion come under the auspices of Religious Studies. The aim of the subject is to provide students with sound knowledge of key thinking in three key areas which help humans explore questions of meaning.
Studying this subject is not simply about learning a body of knowledge, it is also about learning an invaluable skill - how to recognise, evaluate and construct arguments, whether on the page or in classroom debate. The department aims to promote honest and robust discussion and to provide students with a stimulating, enjoyable and academically rigorous study of philosophy, ethics and developments in religious thought.
An A Level in this subject can be extremely valuable. An understanding of ethical issues is required in many professions such as Law, Medicine, Chartered Accountancy, Banking, and the Armed Forces. It is also an excellent subject for any pupil who wants to go on to work with people. Philosophy graduates are highly sought after by developers of AI. This is an area of growth in the modern world and critical thinking about uses of AI is essential for the future of humanity.
Year 7
In Year 7, students will cover the following topics:
Arabian Nights performance, Greek theatre, Matilda narrative and character work, Technical theatre exploration based on Wind in the Willows, Improvisation.
Year 8
In Year 8, students will cover the following topics:
Term 1: Mime/Commedia dell’arte
Term 2: Devising and Physical Theatre including body props
Term 3: Shakespeare Exploration and Performance Skills
Year 9
In Year 9, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Text in Practice (Warhorse)
Term 2: Physical Theatre (Persecution)
Term 3: Devising from a stimulus including introduction of Brechtian theatre. Live Theatre Evaluation work.
Year 10
In Year 10, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Text in Practice
Term 2: Exploration of Practitioners
Term 3: Devising Project Component, Live Theatre Evaluation, Design and Theatrical Technology Opportunities.
Year 11
In Year 11, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Devising Project Completed, Coursework and Examination
Term 2: Scripted Exam
Term 3: Examination Prep. Live Theatre Evaluation. Design and Theatrical Technology Opportunities.
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
- Lower School Drama Club (Year 7 - Year 9)
- Advanced Theatre Club (Year 9+)
- National Theatre New Views Playwriting Competition Club
- Stage Crew (Upper School)
- Workshops with Industry Professionals
- Lower School Production
- Sixth Form Production
- Whole School Production
- Drama Festival the 'Eddies'
- LAMDA Program
Productions
Each academic year, we invite all students to audition for one of our popular productions:
- Lower School Play
- Sixth Form Play
- Whole School Production
Trips
Students are invited on a number of trips in the Lower School and during their GCSE course, including:
- Trips to London Theatres
- Trips to The Mayflower, Southampton
- London Creative Arts Trip – Two-day residential trip to see two West End shows
- MAST Theatre Backstage Tour
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Drama Department, email lag@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Ms. LA Gilmour BA | Director of Drama |
| Mrs. F. Bailey BA | Teacher of Drama |
