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, which include a large 500-seat professional style theatre; this has recently been extended and refurbished and now has impressive Green Room. The School also has an intimate studio theatre for smaller plays and examination work. All venues have their own lighting and sound equipment and productions are enhanced by an ever-growing wardrobe, props and scenery store. Our full time Drama Technician helps to run all productions smoothly and is able to provide expert training to those pupils who are interested in the technical and design elements of drama.
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.
Students regularly visit the prestigious Edinburgh Festival in August each year; the School is planning to take a major Sixth Form production of The Venetian Twins to the Fringe in 2010, following sell-out successes with Tartuffe (2006), 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 LAMDA and ESB examinations, taught by several peripatetic teachers. These are accredited examinations and the higher grades count toward points on UCAS applications. 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. 70% of our GCSE pupils achieved grades in the range A* to B and at A Level, over 87% of students achieved an A or B grade.
Drama Scholarships are available for gifted students joining the school in Years 9 and 12. Successful pupils are entitled to a remission on the fees. For further details, please contact Mrs Nicky Woolner (Music and Drama Administrator) 01442 358175 and see the details of awards and scholarships on the entry page.
For further information about productions planned for this academic year, please visit the Drama Calendar.
