Courses Offered

The Team

Mrs S Valu (Head of Department), Mr H Green and Miss H Hardicre

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 and 8 students are given a broad and balanced education in Speech and Drama.  Through Drama the students are encouraged to develop self-discipline, self-awareness, confidence and good citizenship as well as clear, fluent and expressive speech.  Our schemes of work promote creativity and imagination where we explore various social issues relevant to young people today.  We develop the knowledge of both traditional and contemporary styles of theatre in addition to a variety of genres.  The course involves students becoming effective team players, developing their speaking and listening skills through making, performing and responding to Drama.

This has become the substance of Drama courses in schools, colleges and universities throughout the country.  The opportunities created by this kind of work are many.  Young people who study Drama become confident individuals and young adults who progress into successful teachers, drama therapists, lawyers, actors or presenters to name a few.  The students learn to express thoughts in a way that can be understood by others; to be able to work in a team, exchanging and organising ideas as well as working efficiently and effectively on their own or collaboratively.  Good communication skills and self-confidence are an essential part of the life we all lead.

LAMDA is offered in Year 9 where students achieve outstanding results.  The course enhances students’ skills in mime, devising and acting. Practical work is delivered through monologues to further develop their individual performance skills.  At Collingwood College, we believe that this course offers excellent groundwork for students' acting skills which prepares them for the GCSE Drama curriculum.

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11 students may opt to follow a Drama GCSE course (AQA).  The course consists of a written exam, devising and script component.  It gives students an opportunity to collaborate with others to create, perform and analyse performance pieces.  All students develop their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre by participating in and observing live theatre.

Key Stage 5

In the Sixth Form A Level Drama and Theatre Studies (AQA) is offered.

With its emphasis on the skills of communication, experience in Drama is a vital part of education which seeks to develop students' creativity, originality and inventiveness.  Students explore several plays both practically and theoretically, making reflective decisions about acting and technical elements in a production . Devising drama gives students the opportunity to work collectively in creating an original piece of theatre and make informed decisions during the process.  A written exam is taken at the end of the course where students show their understanding of Drama and analyse the work of live theatre makers.

Enrichment Activities

• Drama Club
• Whole School Production
• Theatre trips - organised throughout the year for Key Stage 4 and 5 students.