Introduction

Drama is a vibrant and dynamic department at Forest Hill School that aims to develop individuality; to encourage students to think and express themselves with flair and confidence; and to encourage tolerance and understanding.

Students are given opportunities through practical role-play, attending the theatre and working with outside agencies, and written drama activities, to experience the world around them and begin to appreciate situations from more than one perspective.

We encourage students to question and challenge their perception of the world and develop some of the skills that future employers seek including confidence, communication, concentration, empathy and teamwork. It is our aim to instill in students a lifelong love of theatre and the arts while developing social and creative thinking skills.

The Drama department comprises two specialist teachers who are passionate about their subject. Our facilities include a 260-seat theatre and a drama studio which extends into the atrium for larger school performances, both with state of the art lighting, AV and sound facilities.

Drama at Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9), Drama is on rotation with Dance. The boys will have a term and a half in each subject area and then swap round. Students are taught in mixed ability groups and the work is largely practical in nature. They explore the various genres of drama and have a lot of fun. It is our aim for all students to develop personal, learning and thinking skills which can be used throughout their lives, following a representative curriculum that allows students to gain empathy and knowledge of the world in which they exist.

Drama Curriculum Map

Drama at Key Stage 4

At Forest Hill school, students can opt to study Drama at GCSE level, which allows students to decide if they want to go down a practical route and focus on performance or follow a more technical route of design, costume and sound. The course allows students to follow a broad and balanced learning journey with two practical examinations and one written examination.

The content covers theatre terminology and job roles in the theatre; the study of a set play text (Noughts and Crosses by Dominic Cooke); and live theatre review. Students are set practical and written tasks on a weekly basis and we aim for all students to see as much live theatre outside of school as possible, and to read plays from our library.

AQA Drama GCSE Specification

Drama at Key Stage 5

In the Sixth Form, we offer A Level Drama and Theatre studies. The course is divided into three components – Drama and Theatre, in which students study set plays and analyse and evaluate live theatre; Creating Original Drama; and Making Theatre. For the practical components, students choose to work as performers, designers or directors.

AQA A Level Drama and Theatre Studies Specification

Enrichment

All students are encouraged to take advantage of living close to central London’s theatre scene and the variety of offers available to students and young people.

The Drama Department offers drama clubs and organises festivals. It also takes students on numerous trips to the theatre throughout the school year. We are affiliated with the National Theatre, Young Vic, Theatre Centre, Disney, Lewisham Youth Theatre, Mousetrap Theatre and Broken Hearted Youth and aim to provide students with a broad and balanced social, emotional and cultural education.

We also encourage students to take advantage of our online drama library supplied by The National Theatre.