Drama

Drama is an extremely popular subject which the students find enjoyable. Students visit various productions and theatres as part as their coursework at all of the key stages. Some of these trips (for GCSE and A' level) will be compulsory whereas others will be optional.

The Drama department caters for a whole range of ability levels and aims to give the students experience of Drama by encouraging understanding through empathy. Drama includes negotiated learning and pupil directed/initiated work through the two main attainment targets of creating and responding, and appraising and appreciating.

KS3

All students at the school take drama at KS3. At this stage basic drama skills are developed through exciting schemes of work which are linked to other parts of the curriculum and reinforce ideas learnt in other departments. Students learn to communicate through self appraisal and grow in their appreciation of drama. Inter house events allow all students to become involved in the subject and are an important part in forging their identity within the school.

KS4

Students studying drama will concentrate on two distinct elements, a practical and written component analysing a production. Students will widen their appreciation and understanding of a range of drama and theatre experiences, experience an increase in self and group awareness. They will grow in confidence, develop their communication and creative skills, and hone their social skills. Students are encouraged to experiment with different theatre styles and practitioners. They will enjoy self-expression and listen with open minds to other people expressing themselves. Students are supported in each step of their progress within this dedicated and dynamic team.  

Sixth Form

This is a fascinating and challenging course which compliments a wide range of other AS/2 subjects offered by the school such as history, classics and English. It will develop your interest and enjoyment of theatre as an audience member and as a practitioner. The course will encourage a knowledge and understanding of social, political and cultural contexts and the work of prescribed practitioners. You will work to enhance your interpretative and practical skills in a variety of activities.

Extra curricular activities

Every other year there is a whole school production with the Music Department. Each year there is an Inter House Drama event. In the past such events have included groups vying for the best interpretation of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Musicals and this year Greek Tragedy. We frequently travel to the West End to see theatre productions. In the past year there have been trips to see War Horse, Wicked, Nation and A Doll’s House. The A’ level group worked with a practitioner on Berkoff in preparation for their AS level performance. Each week Lambda offers lessons in speech and drama throughout the school. We have also been involved in the Film Skool Project where students make their own films and view them with other schools in the West End. At St Martha’s we see ourselves as dynamic, fun and enjoy working with everyone who crosses our door.