Senior School
Drama

All pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 have a double Drama lesson each week. Drama is also a popular GCSE Option and is a well established AS and A2 Level subject. The school boasts excellent facilities including a large 510-seat professional style theatre (which is being extended and refurbished this academic year) and an intimate studio theatre. All venues have their own lighting and sound equipment and productions are enhanced by an ever-growing wardrobe, props and scenery store.

Numerous theatre visits are organised for students across the age-range and full use is made of Berkhamsted's location with regular trips to London's West End as well as local venues.

Drama and Theatre Studies students regularly visit the prestigious Edinburgh Festival; the school took a major Sixth Form production of Tartuffe to the Fringe in 2008, following sell-out successes with The Government Inspector (2006) and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (2003).

Berkhamsted also has a large number of students who take Extra Drama lessons leading to ESB and LAMDA examinations, taught by several peripatetic teachers. There are examination sessions booked each term, often followed by a Speech and Drama Evening providing an opportunity for pupils to perform their examination work to an audience.

The GCSE Drama and A level Theatre Studies results were very strong this year, reflecting the successful way in which natural performing talent is combined with strongly analytical written work and sheer dedication. 100% of our GCSE pupils achieved grades in the range A* to C and at A Level, over 80% of students achieved an A or B grade. 

For further information about productions planned for this academic year, please visit the Drama Calendar.