Drama has developed rapidly in recent years at Abingdon and there continues to be a strong demand for drama both as a curriculum subject, and as one of the School's most popular extra-curricular activities. Details of productions may be found under Drama Productions in the Other Half pages .
The overall aim of the department is to promote lasting enjoyment of drama. Specific aims include a desire to encourage and develop:
- creativity, imagination and sensitivity
- the ability to work as part of a group, both leading and supporting others
- self-confidence and self-awareness
- physical and verbal skills of communication through gesture, movement, use of space, voice and language
- awareness of design and technical aspects of productions
- awareness of drama in its various forms (including the study and staging of plays, and visits to theatres)
- skills of appreciation and evaluation
Drama is taught throughout the School. All boys in first and second years receive one period of drama tuition each week. In the third year, boys may choose to study the subject in more depth as a preparation for the two-year GCSE course, which occupies the fourth and fifth years. A-level drama and theatre studies is a popular option in the sixth form which offers pupils experience of co-education through the involvement of girls from the neighbouring independent girls School of St. Helen and St. Katharine. The sixth form teaching is shared between the drama staff at both schools, and there is a strong tradition of collaborative partnership at this level.
Drama is taught in the new Arts Centre with a dedicated drama studio and classroom. Pupils studying drama in the sixth form receive some of their tuition at St Helen's. The Amey Hall is used for major school productions, as well as performances by visiting companies. It has all the necessary facilities for a full lighting rig and sound system. It is essentially a proscenium arch theatre with an apron stage, which can be removed to create an orchestra pit. The seating is raked and fixed, and can accommodate an audience of about 450.
Providing opportunities for pupils to participate in drama outside the classroom is one of the fundamental aims of the department. To this end, we present a varied programme of plays and events to cater for each group within the School, s well as girls from St. Helens's. Full-scale productions are mounted at the rate of one of two each term, and are chosen to offer as wide a range of opportunities and styles as possible. They are directed by members of staff and pupils. A regular programme of workshops and theatre visits is undertaken.
Further Information
Further information about the drama department curriculum can be found in the curriculum documents available for download on the main curriculum page.