Drama at Read aims to develop pupils as both learners and individuals. The subject is not just for those who will become performers - of which there are many - but involves working as a team, exploring creativity, exercising the imagination and learning empathy. Pupils will learn how to plan and deliver their ideas, develop self-confidence and listen to the advice of others – all valuable life skills which will help them in whatever career path they choose.
"In surveys, employers are saying qualifications are important but so-called soft skills; character skills, the ability to get on with different people, to articulate yourself clearly, confidence, grit, self-control. Employers are saying they are not seeing enough of this in kids coming out of school."
Nick Hurd, the former Minister for Civil Society - The Telegraph
The Drama Department runs extra-curricular activities including Read’s annual Senior School production, the music and drama evening and house competitions. The department also runs regular theatre trips to support the curriculum and for fun.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils study Drama for one 55-minute period a week. They look at a number of play scripts and devise their own drama, covering basic drama skills. Small classes mean pupils get an opportunity to perform every lesson.
Key Stage 4
Pupils are able to take GCSE Drama in Year 10 & 11. The department follows the AQA syllabus where pupils study one set text, devise their own work and study live theatre. This examined through both practical and written examinations.
Key Stage 5
A-level Drama and Theatre (AQA) is offered at Read School. Pupils study set texts and live theatre as well as studying a number of different drama practitioners and creating their own devised work. Examination is through both practical and written assessment.
Extra-Curricular Drama
The big event in the departmental calendar is the Senior School production performed annually in February/March. The production is open to all pupils from Year 7 – 13 and the ‘reveal’ of each year’s show is eagerly anticipated! We rehearse after school and at weekends and the whole production is a multi-disciplinary affair with music, dance, DT and Art all collaborating together.
2025- High School Musical
Past productions
2024- Chicago
2023- The Addams Family
2022- Grease
2021- The Wizard of Oz
Theatre Trips
We love theatre trips and in the last few years have visited local theatres to see productions such as ‘Blood Brothers’ and 'Macbeth' as a set GCSE text. Other notable visits include Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre in the West End, 'The Tempest' at the Globe Theatre and a guided tour of the National Theatre, discovering the magic that brings world class productions to life.
We support pupils who act outside school too and try, when we can, to organise class trips to see and support them in local amateur and professional productions.