Drama
In a small school environment, drama work enables pupils to learn to express themselves confidently and develop a sympathetic and tolerant understanding of others.
Welcome
Staff
Overview
Facilities
In the Classroom
Beyond the Classroom
Annie Farrell
Although we don't quite believe that, "Life is a cabaret old chum!" we do consider that a great deal can be learned from watching the actions of characters in plays and acting out situations. Imaginative work allows for personal development: scripted work provides opportunities for polished performance. Interest and enthusiasm for drama allows us to stage at least four productions per year and provide opportunities for all interested members of school to take part in productions, whether this is in acting or lighting or makeup. For any drama production there is always plenty to do.
Department Staff
- Ian Burnett
Department Overview
Drama is integrated into English lessons as well as being a discrete subject for ages 11 to 13. At these lower ages, there is a strong focus on improvised work with pupils cooperating in small groups and learning the basics of performance. Drama games and exercises are used to encourage communication and control as well as to inspire enjoyment and (quite often) laughter. GCSE Drama is offered at the age of 14 and many pupils take this opportunity to gain an early GCSE grade. AS and A2 Drama have proved to be popular options for sixth-formers and results in examinations have been very encouraging.
Facilities
Drama work takes place in either the drama studio or in the Memorial Hall where the proscenium arch stage and stage lighting help to create the appropriate atmosphere. There is the potential for blackout and tiered seating in the drama studio, and plenty of movable staging so that different levels can be used effectively. Stage lighting is abundant and, thanks to the enthusiasm of volunteers, the staging and scenery is built for each production.
In the Classroom
Directing, writing and acting are all potential activities connected with drama. Although the emphasis in any drama course at Shebbear is on practical and performance elements, most exams require that pupils understand the development of theatre from the Greeks through to modern experimental theatre. Texts recently explored, studied and performed range from Aristophanes to Tom Stoppard.
GCSEs
Many pupils enjoy the challenges of performing and problem-solving so much that they undertake a GCSE course in drama in forms four and/or five. This is not compulsory, but it is an optional activity many enjoy. The drama course specified by WJEC is varied and demanding. Pupils taking drama as a GCSE do so in activity time, attending two lessons per week. It is lively and interesting work.
AS Levels
Drama and Theatre Studies at AS level demands ingenuity and imagination. With two productions mounted in each year of the course there is tremendous opportunity for indulging students’ dramatic interests, whether these are in acting or designing. The AS level is examined in three units one of which involves a practical project.
A Levels
Following on from the AS, the A2 syllabus comprises three further units including practical (acting and/or design) coursework; the study of two specified plays, the study of one theatre practitioner and the interpretation of an extract or extracts from an unseen play for potential performance. Two productions take place during the A2 year.
Beyond the Classroom
We are blessed in mid-Devon with many opportunities to visit local theatres, some of which offer very exciting programmes throughout the year. The Theatre Royal at Plymouth has an RSC production each autumn and Exeter’s Northcott Theatre can be relied upon for really stimulating productions. In addition, the training companies in Exeter and our own local Arts Centre at Torrington also offer appealing dramatic opportunities. Each year a trip to the beautiful Minack Theatre in Cornwall is arranged. In-house there are numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in Speech and Drama activities with everything from drama for fun to LAMDA examination preparation.
