Speech and Drama
Speech and Drama is a popular optional extra-curricular subject, the lessons develop pupils' self-confidence and presentation skills. In the Michaelmas Term candidates work towards London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art examinations in the Speaking of Verse & Prose, Acting, Spoken English and Improvisation. The Lent Term usually involves a public performance of pupils' work, with every Speech & Drama pupil taking part.
As well as focusing on the value of good speech, these classes cover breath control, relaxation and movement. They easily blend with GCSE Drama performance requirements at all levels, and are useful in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme when they qualify as a skill. The classes are an early informal way for pupils to prepare for public examinations.
The pupils regularly gain outstanding results in these examinations; numerous awards being passed with Honours, even at the Bronze and Silver Medal stages of Acting and the Certificate of Merit stage of Group Acting. The Edinburgh Competition Festival is also a vehicle for the speech and drama pupils to demonstrate their skills.
These lessons are not included in the school fees and parents are billed separately if they wish their child to take advantage of this opportunity.