Drama is taught at St. Martin’s throughout Key Stage 3, delivered as an independent subject.

It is very popular. Delivered by two specialist teachers, in each lesson you will learn and develop skills via half-termly modules. These offer a wide range of opportunities for all students to succeed and achieve, finding an area, performance-type or genre that you will enjoy, enabling you to develop confidence and skills in a secure, friendly environment. Modules include: Pantomime, Nurseryland News, Advertising, Script workshops, Abstract and Physical Theatre. These all tie in with GCSE course skills, should you wish to pursue Drama at the next level.

 

We work mainly in the school hall, with the benefit of ICT links to aid teaching and learning – whether it is a Powerpoint of information or text to inspire, or images and music to develop creativity.

 

In addition, we are extremely fortunate to have our own amphitheatre set in our beautiful school grounds. Though only two years old, it has already provided our staging for some fantastic, inspiring performances and presentations.

 

Out of school, theatre visits are popular and combined with the specific Department focus. For example, creative writing was inspired by a guided visit to an art gallery; or, ‘We took in a show… or two!’ - an overnight London visit to The Globe, Rain Forest Café, ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘The Lion King’ (not to mention The London Eye).

 

In school, productions are highly regarded for their standard and are built on a tradition of success, commitment and fun. Last year’s ‘Midsummer Madness’ was a brilliantly modern take on Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. It was extremely successful, running for three nights. Students of all ages and abilities took part. Have a look at the photographs to share some of the fun and talent we have here. You can be part of all that.

 

Already this year, we have worked with the Music Department to present extracts of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and are already busy planning forthcoming production… not to be missed!