Drama
We believe passionately that the study of Drama offers not just intellectual and performance skills but skills for life. Our students learn to command the attention of a room full of people, they present themselves confidently and they learn the art of collaboration, cooperation and effective communication. They also have a lot of fun in the process!
Pupils in all years are given the opportunity to study live and recorded theatre, explore published plays and develop their own performance and design skills. Students also have access to:
- Drama spaces for rehearsals during break and lunch times
- Props and costumes
- Lighting and sound equipment under supervision
- A library of scripts
- Access to digital theatre plus and Drama Online, providing a range of Theatre productions and support material
Head of Department, Ms Gilmour, shares more information about Drama at King Edward VI School.
Year 7
In Year 7, students will cover the following topics:
Term 1: Arabian Night’s Performance - Page to Stage
Term 2: Greek Theatre Character and Narrative Development
Term 3: Script Work, Costume Design, 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 drama@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Ms LA Gilmour BA |
Director of Drama |
| Mrs H Hawker BA |
Teacher of Drama |
| Mrs H Arnold BA |
Teacher of Drama |
