Drama is part of the formal curriculum, as well as being a very important part of the extra-curricular life of the school. All pupils in Year 7 and 8 study Drama and in Year 9, it can be chosen as an option. During the year, each of the year groups is taken out to a matinee performance in a west-end theatre.  

G.C.S.E. Drama (Edexcel) is a popular option with two option groups in years 10 and 11. The study of drama at this level involves two practical workshops, supporting written evidence, a theatre review and a final performance. Both year groups have theatre experience, including A Day of London Theatre. In the Spring and Summer Terms, our Innovation evenings give the students the chance to showcase their work to friends and family.      

There are two Drama groups in Year 12 (A/S-level) and two in Year 13 (A-level) both studying Drama and Theatre Studies with Edexcel. There are regular theatre visits and workshops for these classes and a trip to Stratford upon Avon in the Summer Term. Both year groups produce plays as part of their course. Last year the Year 12s performed “Breathing Corpses” by Laura Wade and “The Market Boy” by David Eldridge. The year 13s devise their own productions, last year these were “All The Way” and “Viva La Vida”    

Drama is also a popular extra-curricular activity. Last year the Upper School presented ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ at Greenwich Theatre, the Middle School performed ‘Guys & Dolls’ in January and the Year 7s performed ‘YeHa!’ in the Summer Term.  In addition to our in-house productions, there are further opportunities for theatre visits with our STAGES programme – open to anyone associated with Colfe’s.  

The Department also offers extra-curricular Speech and Drama. The syllabus from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art offers examinations in the Speaking of Verse and Prose, Spoken English, Acting and Improvisation.  

The reputation of Drama at Colfe’s is very high and the standards achieved both in public examinations and productions are a credit both to the Department and the hard work and ability of the students involved. The Department works closely with many other departments – particularly, the Music, Art, Design Technology and Dance Departments.