Drama

The aim of the Drama Department is not only to produce greater awareness of effective theatrical performance, but also to offer opportunities to practice different kinds of behaviour. This can range from encouraging empathy for others through role-play, to negotiating with and managing other people in group situations. All of this essential preparation for effective communication happens within a safe environment where mistakes can be made in order to enhance learning.

Drama is taught for a lesson a week in Years 7 and 8; it is offered as an option in Year 9 and as a GCSE course in Years 10 and 11, where we follow the AQA specification. In Year 7 pupils engage in a range of drama activities including: mime; use of voice; creating a soap opera; investigating ensemble; building characters; devising and improvisation. In Years 7 and 8 drama is structured around units each half term where we focus on a different combination of skills and play making.

In Year 8 pupils engage in: Stanislavskian approaches to acting; improving characterisation; Noh Theatre; assuming the role of the expert; devising and improvising.

The Mackay Theatre

The Mackay Theatre is our 145-seat main performance space, an intimate converted space with excellent technical facilities and its own stage crew made up from older students.

The Owen Room

Our other main performance space is the Owen Room. Several House plays and concerts take place here, and every Spring Term there are various A Level drama performances.

School plays

We aim to present at least two major shows here every term, including the major school production in the Autumn Term, (recent shows include: Noises Off, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Guys and Dolls, The Sound of Music) and the Middle School Play outside in our amphitheatre in the Summer Term. Most years one of our productions is a world première of a play written by one of the senior BGS students. Alongside these plays there are regular House concerts, which include musical performances, sketches and comedic events alongside regular rock, indie and skater metal BGS bands.

For details of the GCSE curriculum please visit www.aqa.org.uk