Drama

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Drama aims to develop self-awareness, self-confidence, self discipline and self-expression through a program of practical workshops.

In the Novi (Year 9), workshops involve the introduction to a particular drama skill/technique, application of this to an explorative and creative process, preparation of invented material for presentation and performance, feedback and evaluation (of both the performance and the process). The Novi Drama curriculum links to the Tonbridge English course (for example, Shakespeare is explored in the summer term).

GCSE and A level

Both GCSE Drama (AQA) and A level in Drama & Theatre Studies (Edexcel) are academically rigorous courses, with an even weighting of written and practical assessment. Both courses develop and extend important transferable skills, especially communication, analysis and creativity.

The GCSE and A level courses are enjoyed immensely by those who undertake them and results are excellent. Studying Drama (and Theatre) is intellectually and creatively stimulating, as Shakespeare reminds us in Hamlet of how Theatre holds ‘the mirror up to nature’, the task is to consider the relationship between what is being reflected and how.

It is possible to study Drama at A level, even if it has not been studied at GCSE providing the individual has been involved in some form of co-curricular Drama in their Fourth or Fifth Form years, in or out of school.

Most lessons involve the close cooperation of boys working together in small groups, building confidence and aptitude through the exploration of improvisation techniques, working from a text, and devising performance-material from a given stimulus or theme. Although the most popular form of practical assessment is Acting, boys can nominate to undertake a technical or design skill instead, such as Lighting or Set design, using the impressive resources of the E. M. Forster Theatre. Written examination and coursework requires candidates to have an appreciation of all aspects of theatrical presentation, interpretation and dramatic process.

The Facilities

The main teaching studio, classroom and 375 seat auditorium are located in the E. M. Forster Theatre.

Staff

There are three full-time drama specialists in the department, who share the academic teaching and the facilitating of the extensive co-curricular program. The department also employs a Director-in-Residence to work with AS and A2 students at key stages in the year, and a professional actor as an Actor-in-Residence, mainly to support the work of co-curricular work and LAMDA examinations.

Beyond the Classroom

There are many opportunities for boys to see a wide variety of plays and performances both locally (at the E. M. Forster Theatre, where work is programmed with their courses in mind) and in London, these being essential for sections of the written paper at GCSE, AS and A level.

LAMDA

Boys have the opportunity to study for the new LAMDA Acting exams, which are now worth UCAS points. The introduction of LAMDA exams has been popular with boys who have been unable to include GCSE or AS Drama in their subject choices or those who would like to take part in co-curricular Drama but have not got the time to commit to a full-scale production.

School Plays

Further information about the co-curricular opportunities for Drama can be found here.

Beyond A Level

Hog Head Theatre Company (OT)

Hog Head Theatre Company is the theatre company for Old Tonbridgians. It was established in 2007, with a production of Frank McGuinness' hugely moving and beautiful play Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, which was taken to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe of that year.