Drama - Introduction
There is a thriving and ever-growing drama department at MGGS.
The members of staff are:
Mrs A. Harris-Tanzer (Head of Department)
Miss F Ranger
Mrs J Shand
CLASS SIZES
Numbers at AS level average 30 students: numbers at A2 level average 30 students.
Numbers at GCSE average 60 students in each academic year.
Staff and students work together in a closely knit team.
AIMS
We want to make the study of drama and theatre as exciting, stimulating and challenging as possible. It is hard work but it is highly enjoyable. Students have to work at a fast pace but they learn a great deal about theatre. They also learn a great deal about themselves.
RESOURCES
Lessons are taught in:
a completely purpose built and well equipped Drama Studio.
a purpose built hall with piano.
a Main Hall which has a highly sophisticated stage lighting installation/sound system.
In addition:
Stage make-up and mirrors.
Masks.
Impressive range of stage costumes from all periods
Workshops
EXAMINATIONS
AS Drama and Theatre Studies
Examination Board: EdExcel
Syllabus based on:
Practical exploration of two plays
Involvement in a production (performance or design)
A study of social, cultural and/or historical influences
Theatre visits
Drama GCSE not a pre-course requirement
A2 Drama and Theatre Studies
Examination Board: Edexcel
Devised Drama
Student directed production
Study of The Trojan Woman
Shakespeare production
GCSE Drama and Theatre Studies
Examination Board AQA
60% Practical Performance and Design Work: 40% Set Texts and Theatre Visits
THEATRE VISITS AND WORKSHOPS
Theatre trips arranged throughout the AS, A2 and GCSE courses:
Fringe theatre. West End. Royal Shakespeare Theatre. National Theatre. Regular in-house workshops by visiting theatre practitioners
LOWER SCHOOL DRAMA
Lower school drama clubs
Regular drama workshops days with year 9
FORMER STUDENTS
Many students take up theatre professionally
2006-7:
1 student - Associate director at Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre
1 student - At present in "Carousel" at Chichester Festival Theatre and going on to appear in "The Father" by Strindberg.
EXAMINATION PRODUCTIONS
GCSE and AS and A2 students regularly stage productions
GCSE: Devised Drama
A2 Devised Drama
A2 Performances of set texts and small scale examination productions
MAIN SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS
The department works with other departments to stage yearly major staff/student productions. Click on the link to see a list of our highly acclaimed productions in recent years.