Drama
Drama is thriving at Chase Grammar and numbers each year keep on increasing for our GCSE intake. This is due to recent exam results, students love of the subject, the practical nature of the course and the extra activities on offer. In addition to drama lessons at school which are compulsory one lesson a week from prep school to Year 8 there is an option to take GCSE drama in Year 9 and A-level drama in Year 12 taught by a specialist drama teacher.
We follow the AQA specifications for both GCSE and A-level drama which offer an excellent balance between practical such as devising theatre and performing scripted extracts to theory with a written exam. GCSE Drama results for the past two years have been consistently 100% 5-9 grades with students often making at least one level of progress.
A-level Drama is a new course at the school and we have just this year taken out first A-level cohort through with a pass rate of 100% A*-C.
We have a range of drama activities and enrichment opportunities on offer. The most exciting event is the annual school production held at The Prince of Wales Theatre. We have been doing productions at the theatre since Mrs Philpin joined the school and aim to keep this up as it is always a great success. Previous productions include 'Fame' and 'The Wizard of Oz'. This is open for all from Years 5-13 and you can audition for a lead part or opt to be in the chorus. The Prep School also get an opportunity to perform at the theatre for Prize Giving where they showcase some of their fantastic work from lessons.
Other enrichment opportunities in addition to the school production include Prep Drama Club, Senior Drama Club and Dance Club which our students enjoy and thrive in.
As well as the productions at the theatre, students perform all of their GCSE and A- level performance exams at a nearby equipped drama studio and always have an audience in attendance to watch their performance work. They also have opportunities to showcase this work in Performance Faculty events. If you opt for GCSE or A-level drama, theatre trips are also enjoyed and we aim to go and see performances throughout your course at a variety of theatres.
Students that do Drama GCSE or A-level thoroughly enjoy the course and either go into drama careers or use it as a skill and apply that to other career pathways.
A recent GCSE student has now moved to London and is appearing in various TV, film and theatre roles. He has also gained lead roles in theatre productions and TV roles from successful auditions. To help him prepare for these auditions 1:1 audition technique and help was given which is also available for any student in a similar position.