Drama & Performing Arts

Welcome to the Graveney School Drama Department!

At Graveney, we believe that drama is not just an art form but a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and collaboration. Our Drama Department is dedicated to nurturing the talents of our students, offering them a platform to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop a deep appreciation for the performing arts.

Our Vision

Our vision is to inspire and empower students through the transformative power of drama. We aim to create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student can thrive and express their unique voice. Through a rich and varied curriculum, we strive to cultivate a lifelong love for the arts and equip students with skills that extend far beyond the stage.

Curriculum

Our drama curriculum is designed to challenge and engage students at every level. We offer:

Key Stage 3: Introduction to Drama Students explore the fundamentals of drama, including improvisation, role-play, and script work. They learn to express ideas, build narratives, and work effectively in teams.
Key Stage 4: GCSE Drama This course deepens students' understanding of theatre, focusing on performance skills, theatre history, and technical production. Students engage in both practical and theoretical studies, culminating in performances that showcase their growth as young actors and directors.
Key Stage 5: A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies At this advanced level, students refine their craft and explore complex texts, practitioners, and theatrical styles. They have opportunities to lead productions, experiment with different genres, and gain insights into the professional world of theatre.

Extracurricular Opportunities

The Drama Department at Graveney offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to further enhance students' experience:

School Productions: Each year, we stage several productions that highlight the talents of our students. Recent productions include:

2022: The Odyssey A site-specific outdoor production that took the audience on an epic journey through our school grounds, reimagining Homer's classic tale in a dynamic and immersive way.

2023: Oliver! A spectacular collaboration with the Music Department, featuring a cast of 50 students and a full band. This musical was a huge success, showcasing the talents of students from Years 7 to 12

2024: A Midsummer 90's Dream Our latest production, an innovative twist on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, set in the 1990s. This show features the original Shakespearean text intertwined with popular songs from the '90s, performed by a cast of over 50 students and a band composed of Year 12 musicians.

Drama Clubs: Our lunchtime drama clubs are open to Key Stage 3 and 4 students, offering them additional opportunities to practise their skills, work on new projects, and collaborate with their peers.
LAMDA Lessons: We are proud to offer after-school LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) lessons, led by an external team of experienced teachers from a theatre background. These group lessons focus on acting and public speaking, providing students with the opportunity to earn prestigious LAMDA qualifications. This year, nearly 100% of our students achieved a grade of distinction in their LAMDA exams, reflecting their hard work and the high quality of instruction they receive. Please contact us for more details on this. We also offer Pupil Premium scholarships.
Workshops and Masterclasses: We regularly host workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals, giving students insight into the world of professional theatre and the chance to learn from actors, directors, and playwrights.
Theatre Trips: Students have the opportunity to attend various theatre productions in London and beyond, broadening their understanding of different theatrical styles and approaches.

Our Facilities

The Drama Department is well-equipped to support our students’ creative endeavours. We have:

A Main Hall with a professional lighting rig, perfect for performances.
A dedicated Drama Studio for rehearsals and classes.
A larger rehearsal space in Bradford House.

The Theatre, a separate rehearsal and performance space for larger projects.

Join Us

The Graveney Drama Department is an inclusive and welcoming space for all students, regardless of experience or aspirations. We believe in the power of drama to foster confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Every student who auditions for a production is given the opportunity to be involved, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

In addition to acting roles, we encourage students to take part in backstage roles such as costume design, lighting and sound technology, and stage management. Drama at Graveney is about more than just performance; it’s about building a community where every student can find their place and contribute in a way that’s meaningful to them.

For more information about our programs, upcoming events, or how to get involved, please contact cbrooksbank@graveney.wandsworth.sch.uk