Thornhill College, Derry    

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Drama & Theatre Studies

Introduction

The Drama Department is growing in popularity every year with more and more pupils keen to take their love and enthusiasm for the dramatic arts to new heights

The strong tradition of drama and performance in the Northwest gives our pupils an excellent tradition in performing arts and now they are offered the opportunity to study this subject at GCSE and A Level.

However pupils are not required to have experience in drama before taking the subject at GCSE, just a lot of enthusiasm and commitment. The subject can be taken at AS Level without GCSE experience given pupils have a good track record in attendance and approach to study.

We also provide many opportunities for those not studying Drama to participate in performances

 

"Pygmalion"
   

GCSE Drama

Drama within the curriculum offers pupils the chance to explore the world in which they live through various dramatic forms including improvisation, mime, dance drama and acting. Pupils learn to develop ideas through performance in groups and individually. As well as developing and enhancing dramatic skills this subject helps promote self esteem, ability to work with others, negotiation skills, movement and physical responsiveness, public speaking and aspects of design.

We aim to make drama an enjoyable and liberating experience. Where possible we begin all classes with physical warm up exercises and games to promote interaction, control, concentration etc.

As well as studying the dramatic forms of dance, mime, improvisation and acting which accounts for 60% of coursework pupils also study a text from a practical point of view looking at movement, voice, gesture, facial expression etc. Where possible, pupils are taken to see a live production of the play being studied.

We also encourage our pupils to participate in workshops given by experienced performers whenever possible.

A/S and A2 Level Theatre Studies

A2 is a very exciting and innovative course offering pupils the chance to study in great detail a range of texts and practitioners as well as incorporating one practical assignment. This assignment which will be inspired by Brecht the chosen practitioner is a group performance of part of a play text. Pupils also study two set plays in detail; for example ‘ A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Three Sisters’ by Chekov. 

During the course, the theories and practice of Stanislavski, a world-renowned Theatre practitioner, are studied. Pupils are also required to see at least three theatre productions in order to write a review question in the end of year exam.

 In the spring term pupils work on a devised group piece taking themes and ideas from a previously studied text to inspire them.

 

Performance

There are many opportunities for all pupils to participate in Drama activities and to perform in front of an audience. Recently these have included:

  • Participation in Feis Doire
  • Year 11 and Year 12 Drama Festivals
  • The Drama Club
  • School Musicals (in collaboration with St Columb's College

 

 Recent Achievements