Welcome to the Drama Department 

Most Drama now takes place in "The Cube" - our fantastic, purpose-built Drama Studio, complete with lighting, sound equipment, flexible staging and projection wall. So far, this space has been used for lessons, rehearsals, workshops, performances... and even a science lecture! We are also now able to offer technical, stage management and design options as part of the Drama GCSE.

Drama at Key Stage 3

The KS3 Drama curriculum focuses on developing students' ability to create their own performances. Key skills developed are:
• Group work
• Devising and rehearsing
• Working with a script
• Creating a script
• Creating and developing a character
• Empathising with others
• Using drama to explore a theme, story, event or other stimulus
• Basic design and technical skills

Drama at Key Stage 4

Students are entered for the AQA GCSE Drama specification. This involves practical coursework and a written exam.

• The exam (40% of overall grade) consists of Section A (Set Texts: "Blue Remembered Hills" by Dennis Potter) and Section B (Live Theatre: candidates choose and answer a question about a production they have seen during their course)
• The coursework (60% of overall grade) consists of two practical performances (at least one must be for an acting performance, but one may be their technical contribution). Candidates are assessed on the way they rehearse, perform and on a short written account comparing their performance with a contrasting or complementary text.

Extra Curricular Drama, Productions and Performances

We are extremely proud of the fantastic Drama that our students produce and are always looking for performance opportunities for them. Here's how students can get involved:

• Joining Drama Club - it's for all students and for all ages. There are no auditions and everyone gets a part in whatever play we're working on. 2007-8 - Drama Club is on Thursdays with Mrs Middleyard in the Main Hall. Attendance and reliability are often rewarded with good roles and it's a fantastic way of building confidence and improving your skills; some of our most talented GCSE students used to be the quietest, mousiest Year 7s... until they joined Drama Club!

• Auditioning for productions - for recent productions, see below! Everyone can audition but, obviously, these are cast according to who is most suitable for the parts available. The auditions are usually pretty competitive - but definitely worth a go - some students really surprise themselves! We try to make sure there's a mix of KS3, KS4 and whole school productions going on! Students will be given a rehearsal schedule when the production is cast.

• Be fantastic in class - we're always looking for suitable short pieces of Drama for concerts and other performance opportunities and sometimes a group of students will come up with a scene in class that is just right. Additionally, GCSE students are also allocated performance nights when they are not only assessed, but also get the opportunity to perform for their family and friends. It is assumed that if you've opted for GCSE Drama, you're willing to perform on these occasions! Rehearsals will take place largely in class, but attendance at extra rehearsals after school will be expected - this will often be in the place of homework.

Recent Productions & Performances

The Box of Delights 

When: November 2008
Where: The Cube
Starring: KS3

York Schools Annual Drama Festival

York Youth Mysteries: Heaven and Hell Cafes
When: March 2008
Where: Central Hall, University of York
Starring: Drama Club

Canon Lee Specialist Arts College Christmas Concert

The Grinch and an excerpt from the recent Cube production

When: December 2007
Where: The Main Hall
Starring: Drama Club and the Cast of "The Twits"

The Twits

Roald Dahls' twisted tale of the most disgusting couple on the planet!

When: November 2007
Where: The Cube
Starring: Key Stage 3 Students

Scenes from "Blue Remembered Hills"

GCSE assessed scenes from the Dennis Potter play where adults play seven-year-olds.

When: October 2007
Where: The Cube
Starring: Year 11 GCSE students

Annie

Major musical production by Music, Drama, Dance and Art departments.

When: July 2007
Where: Main Hall
Starring: Whole school