Essential to the successful study of English and Drama is the cultivation of personal reflective skills. Alongside the detailed exploration of a wealth of texts that have shaped Western thought, from Aristotle to Adichie via Shakespeare, Shelley and Conrad, students will be taught how to reflect via writing and performance on the experiences presented in the written word. For those taking Drama, interpretation moves from the page to the stage through the creation of their own original devised performance pieces, inspired by the works of renowned practitioners like Berthold Brecht, Dario Fo or Frantic Assembly. This is supported through the continuous maintenance of reflective notebooks in which students track the evolution of their ideas and reactions to creative stimuli.
As artificial intelligence takes increasing sway in our society, we recognise the importance of craftsmanship in distinguishing students’ voices. All students progressing through our Fifth Form curricula learn essential writing skills, including the ability to reflect on, edit and shape their work, be it transactional, creating or essay writing. This culminates in our flagship Year 12 Academic Writing program, a bespoke course designed to prepare all students for university writing, regardless of academic pathway.
The recognition and appreciation of voice by English and Drama students is also actively promoted beyond the classroom. Our students enjoy organisation of theatre trips, the Drama camp, performance screenings, workshops and a number of important co-curricular activities affiliated with the department. From essay competition preparation through Poetry Club, the Stagecraft Personal Development Scheme or the annual school Musical, those in English and Drama contribute highly to the vibrancy of the wider school community, culminating in our contributions to Arts Week, held every Spring.
The study of English Language, Literature or Drama opens doors to a number of enriching degree choices and careers. With the emphasis upon textual interpretation and both oral and written communication, courses offered within our department equip students to pursue further study in areas such as Drama, English and World Literatures, Film Studies, Linguistics, History, Journalism, Law, Marketing, Media and Communication, Performing Arts or Theatre Studies, Politics, Public Relations or Psychology, amongst others.
Alumni who chose either English Literature and/or Drama at A Level have secured places at the following internationally acclaimed universities and conservatoire programs:
- American University of Paris: History of Art
- Brown University: English Literature
- Cambridge University (Trinity Hall College): English Literature
- Columbia University: Journalism
- Courtauld Institute of Art: History of Art
- IE Madrid: Law
- Film Academy London: Filmmaking
- London School of Economics: Law
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts: Collaborative Arts
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts: Drama
- MET Film: Film Studies
- Parsons New School: Illustration
- University of Amsterdam: Media and Communication
- University of Cambridge (Trinity College): Human, Social and Political Sciences
- University of St. Andrews: English Literature
- University of York: Theatre (Writing, Directing and Performance)
