Drama

This half of term, the drama department has been very busy with A level devised pieces and GCSE scripted performances. In week 8, the Lower Sixth drama A level students performed three 15 minute devised pieces that they had created over the previous three months using improvisational techniques and research. Using the practitioners Brecht and Artaud as their guide, the students produced work focusing on themes such as discrimination, mental health and artificial intelligence. With candidates offering light, sound, costume and set design, these were shows with high production values and a genuinely experimental dimension to them. Well done to all involved in what was an excellent afternoon’s entertainment. It was great to see the main space of the Chigwell School Drama Centre full once more.

The GCSE scripted performances that represent 20% of students’ final GCSE grade are always a tough challenge with a visiting examiner coming to assess all twenty-nine students. This took place on the last day of term to a full auditorium of students and parents. Once again, students were assessed for acting, light, sound, costume and set design in a rich variety of texts including Greek Tragedy, Shakespeare and classic modern plays such as “Journey’s End” by R.C. Sherriff and “Shakers” by John Godber. The standard was very high indeed showing that despite not having done this assessment for three years, Chigwell GCSE drama has not let things get rusty! Well done to all involved!

Sixth Form Induction

We are planning to hold a Sixth Form induction day on Tuesday 5th July when students will be given a taste of the work that they will be covering in their chosen A level subjects. This is an important day in itself but also the occasion when a unit of A level work is set to be completed over the summer holidays.