Drama

Drama at Kings Leadership Academy is a thriving department that is going from strength to strength. Each year every student studies a challenging, yet interesting curriculum of work that focuses on current trends in contemporary theatre. From puppetry to comedy, students will delve deep into the process of creating and performing various styles of performance. In addition to timetabled lessons in the foundation program, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in extra curricular drama. Each year Kings produce a full scale musical or play and at the end of every learning cycle the best exam work is showcased in an evening celebration event. There are also various extra curricular drama clubs to attend that allow you to get creative and have fun. With a fully equipped theatre space, students can also get involved in all things back stage, with short courses being offered in lighting and sound design.

In addition to all of this, the drama department has very strong links with many theatres, universities and professional actors, who work with the department to give students as many extra opportunities as possible.

Foundation Course:

Students in the foundation years will develop key skills required of performers. Subjects studied include; improvisation, puppetry, devising, script analysis, voice, movement, comedy and pantomime. As well as being transferable to the study of Drama at GCSE, all of the skills developed in the foundation course are transferable to life, as students will improve their confidence, creativity and teamwork skills.

Senior Course:

In the senior program students hone their skills as performers, and develop their skills as critical thinkers with the ability to analyse and appreciate performance. At this level students will be performing regularly to an invited audience, and undertake at least one full-length performance. Much of the work created is either devised based on a contemporary issue that effects young people, or a scripted piece of drama.

Mastery Course:

At mastery level, students delve even deeper into the process of creating theatre from the points of view of various different theatre practitioners that have had an influence on contemporary theatre. Through the study of these practitioners, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of theatre, and appreciate how and why theatre has developed in the way it has. Students will be involved in drama both inside school and outside school, with regular visits to the theatre and universities. The final part of the course focuses on professional development. Each student will work with an in house director to prepare them for Drama School auditions. Many Kings students will go on to attend some of the best Universities and Drama Schools in the country.

Courses offered:

GCSE Drama (AQA)

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies (AQA)

Enrichment and trips

Below are just some of the examples of activities that take place throughout the year.