Drama

The Drama curriculum at The Royal High School Bath, has been designed to help students progress in their knowledge, skills and understanding of how to create, perform and evaluate theatre. Students are taught practical lessons in which they actively use their imagination and discover the importance of bravery in a safe and collaborative environment. The Drama classroom is the perfect place for students to explore their self-expression, grow their confidence and develop their unique voice.

Key Topics and Projects

In Year 7 students study units on Folk Tales from around the world, as well as Frantic Assembly’s renowned style of Physical Theatre. Furthermore, themes such as identity, fate and humanity are examined through the practical exploration of Greek theatre, encouraging girls to question and reinterpret different characters’ perspectives. Year 8 brings further opportunities for collaboration and creativity. Themes such as Women’s Rights and Social Media are reflected upon through the study of The Trojan Women and Socio-political theatre. The year culminates in a whole class performance of Sam Holcroft’s beautifully crafted script, ‘The Wardrobe’. In Year 9 students are introduced to the elements of several key practitioners and theatre companies, including the methodologies of Stanislavski, Brecht, The Paper Birds and Gecko Theatre company. Students develop their knowledge of directing, developing their own director’s concept with an enhanced focus on staging, costume, lighting and sound with in-house sessions run by our Performing Arts Technician.

RHS Learner Qualities

Through their work in Drama, students develop creativity, shaping and structuring their work, they solve problems and become more open to new ideas. Collaboration and communication are key, as is the analysis of character and experience and the consideration of different perspectives and circumstance, in order to develop empathy and compassion for others. Drama at RHS is designed to stimulate the imagination, encourage selfexpression and risk-taking. Investigating theatre’s ability to powerfully communicate and break down barrier encourages our students to create their own original work, which is regularly celebrated in termly showcases. The skills learnt and developed within our Drama classroom are transferable to all aspects of academic life and are essential for successful and happy life-long learners.

Co-curricular

The department produces annual cross-year group productions, a ‘Monologue Slam’ house competition, a ‘Voices’ dramatic writing event, Scholar Showcases, as well as our prestigious Whole School Musical in which students are encouraged to take part as actors, dancers, technicians or backstage and front of house. Our Sixth Form Scholars contribute to our popular and nurturing Year 7 Drama club which welcomes the youngest students to our vibrant and thriving department, building to a presentation for an invited audience.

We run regular half-termly theatre trips, including visits to local venues such as the Theatre Royal Bath and Bristol Old Vic, as well as further afield to London and Chichester. We regularly host visiting theatre professionals, including directors, actors and theatre companies such as Splendid Productions and Frantic Assembly, as well as hosting performance skill workshops on self-taping or audition technique. We openly encourage students at Key Stage 3 to audition for professional opportunities and several of our students have secured agents and professional contracts as a result.