Our first-ever senior school production, 'Lord of the Flies', gave students in Years 11-13 the chance to explore mature themes.
“Drama is life with the boring parts cut out” – Alfred Hitchcock
The drama department at Isleworth & Syon is a vibrant and thriving area of the school which gives students the opportunity to nurture and develop their creativity, confidence and discipline. The curriculum offered across all three key stages is wide-ranging and challenging.
The subject equips you with skills that are essential to the real world; from simply working in a collaborative and supportive manner, to creative problem solving, project management and meeting deadlines.
The department is staffed by specialists in the field of drama, who are themselves experienced performers, writers, lighting designers and directors.
Beyond the requirements of the courses offered, students learn the skills required to work within the industry through an outstanding extra-curricular programme.
Recently, Isleworth & Syon students have taken places to study at Arts Ed, Mountview, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London Academy of Music and the Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Bristol Old Vic, and York. In addition, students have successfully auditioned for the National Youth Theatre, National Musical Youth Theatre and RADA Youth Company.
Summary
Curriculum Content
Summary
GCSE Drama
A level Drama & Theatre Studies
Students in Years 11-13 participate as actors or as designers, stage management, lighting or wardrobe/costume technicians.
Whole School Production
Auditions take place in the final week of June for the following year’s production. Students can participate as actors or as designers, stage management, lighting or wardrobe/costume technicials. Recent productions include ‘Macbeth’, ‘Private Peaceful’, ‘The Tempest’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Emil and the Detectives’.
English Speaking Union – Performing Shakespeare
Competition for Year 9 students who must perform a monologue or duologue from a play of Shakespeare. The winners are then entered into later stages of the competition.
Drama & Music Showcase
Showcase of some of the most outstanding work from class from Year 7 to Year 13. An opportunity for students and parents/carers to see the range of talent on show.
Year 7 & 8 Drama Club
Weekly afterschool workshops run from September until July for all students in Year 7. This culminates in performances at the Winter Concert, Drama & Music Showcase, Summer Arts Festival and end-of-term assemblies.
Year 9 & 10 Drama Club
Weekly clun run from September until July for all students in Years 9 & 10. This culminates in a performance at the Winer Concert, Drama & Music Showcase, Summer Arts Festival and end-of-term assemblies.
Arts Award
A programme run for students in Year 9 to participate in the Bronze Award. Students have to create a portfolio that shows their development in an area of creative arts.
National Youth Theatre Auditions
Run on a Saturday in February or March, we invite NYT to conduct their workshop and audition in school. Successful students are invited to participate in their Summer School.
Reward Screenings
Students who continually demonstrate outstanding Attitude to Learning and effort in class are invited to “cinema screenings” of recorded theatre productions. These have included ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Newsies’.
Theatre Visits
Students attend a wide variety of theatre performances on a regular basis. Recent productions seen include ‘Red Pitch’ , ‘Groundhog Day’, ‘For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy’, ‘An Inspector Calls’, ‘Sylvia’, ‘Watch on the Rhine’, ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’ and ‘Eureka Day’.