Drama & Theatre Studies
We aim to develop our pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of drama and theatre both through experience as audience members and through development of their own theatre skills.
We work hard to develop our pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural contexts of drama and theatre, through detailed study of dramatic texts and of the work of theatre practitioners and companies. We also help them expand their ability to respond critically and sensitively to a range of drama texts and to live theatre.
Academic drama is greatly enhanced at St Edward’s by the presence on school grounds of The North Wall, a nationally-important arts centre, and home to the School’s Drama and Dance Departments. Owned and managed by the School, The North Wall runs a highly-regarded public programme which brings professional performers, writers, directors and technicians into pupils’ day-to-day lives, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to experience and learn.
We offer A Level and IB Diploma, as well as our own Drama Pathway certificate in the Fourth and Fifth Form.
The A Level is awarded by AQA and pupils take on roles within two examined performance pieces. One is a devised piece and the other is an extract from a published play. A written paper is completed at the end of the second year and is comprised of one section on productions the pupils have seen and two sections on plays they have studied.
The IB Theatre Arts course is an exciting and organic course that allows pupils the chance to explore a wide range of theatre practice from around the world. The IB is a very practical course underpinned by academic research.
The Drama Pathway features practical workshops and creative projects which allows pupils to experience drama and theatre as a performer, designer and director, as well as an audience member.
No prior learning is necessary for candidates to undertake the courses, but they should both enjoy drama and theatre, and have a genuine desire to develop this interest. Group work and theatre visits will play an integral part of the courses.
Director of Drama: Katrina Eden
Head of Academic Drama: Alice Kenny
For more information about co-curricular Drama at the School, click here.