Drama

At Badminton, we want all pupils to develop curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Drama

Mrs Rose, Head of Drama

We ensure that girls are active participants as performers, and also that they work with specialist staff to how to produce and organise performances. We stage two major school productions and many smaller performances throughout the year, including, recently, The Sound of Music, Guys & Dolls, and Emma. Girls are also encouraged to take part in the annual Schools Shakespeare Festival.

Drama is taught once a week in curriculum lessons and on a fortnightly carousel with Music in Years 8 and 9.  In Year 7, we focus on story-telling and the many ways to convey a narrative on stage.  In Year 8, we look at how to build an effective characterisation.  In Year 9, we have a broader focus, looking at everything from civil rights, to the use of masks, and even stage-fighting!  There are weekly Drama Clubs for each year group where girls look in-depth at dramatic styles and techniques and put together scripts and plays for performance.

GCSE

Our GCSE course starts with two terms of study of influential practitioners such as Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud and Boal as part of a wider study of the language of drama (both practical and written).

Inspiration comes from many stimuli, including song lyrics, paintings, novels and props. The assessments take place in Year 11 and include a devised practical piece and written evaluation, a practical, scripted performance and a written examination. Throughout the course, pupils keep a journal of their practical work and their reflections.

A Level

A Level Drama & Theatre Studies lets pupils perform, direct, discuss, analyse and evaluate as practitioners in their own right.  In the first year of the course, we build on existing skills and participate in practice assessments.  

In the second year, we devise a practical piece inspired by a stimulus and influenced by a theatrical style, followed by a scripted practical performance.  The written examination focuses on two set texts from the perspective of an actor, designer, or director.

Follow the Drama Department on Twitter @BadmintonDrama

A note to parents about photography and recording at School performances

Photos may be taken and short video recordings made on the understanding that this is for personal use only.  Parents are asked to ensure that any photography or recording is carried out in an unobtrusive manner which does not distract the performers or other members of the audience. Parents are reminded that they should be sensitive to concerns and risks relating to the posting of images or video on social media.  In particular, they are asked to be mindful of the concerns of many parents about digital privacy. Photos or videos taken for personal use are exempt from the Data Protection Act.  Any photos taken for official School use are governed by the provisions of the Act and also by the written agreement between the School and parents.  The same applies to video recording of the event.