By Mr Stratton (Director of Drama and Dance)

In the last week of the half term, Year 11 GCSE Drama students completed the final non-examined assessment of their course; coincidentally it was also the last practical element and final performance.

The students were tasked with contributing to text-based drama in a live theatre context for an audience - student entries included performers, costume designers, lighting designers, set designers and sound designers. The cohort really demonstrated the inclusive approach that Drama pioneers - all learners are supported and have the opportunity to showcase their skills, whether they are a performer or designer! 

The 32 students were split into 10 groups and performed an impressive medley of monologues, duologues and group scenes. These extracts were ably supported and complimented by the design candidates' excellent realisations. Audiences were impressed by extracts from:

• My Mother Never Said I Should by Charlotte Keatley 
• When They Go Low by Natalie Mitchell 
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Rona Munro 
• Gut Girls by Sarah Daniels
• Notes to Future Self by Lucy Caldwell 
• This Changes Everything by Joel Horwood
• Kin by E.V. Crowe 
• Love and Information by Caryl Churchill 
• Sweet Panic by Stephen Poliakoff
• Angel by Henry Naylor 

All students showed resilience and independence in the rehearsal and creation of their submissions, and this work was then expertly shared with the audience and visiting examiner on the assessment date. It was a fantastic afternoon of theatre and wonderful to see our students flexing their creative muscles!