Drama and Theatre Studies
In an increasingly competitive world, speech and communication skills are becoming more important.
John Lyon pupils have long been drawn to the stage, and the School’s Drama department continues to provide numerous opportunities for budding actors and those who want to learn more about the technical aspects of the theatre.
The Drama department consists of two multi-purpose, fully equipped black box studio spaces. The West Studio is an adaptable, neutral teaching space boasting an industry standard lighting rig system and board complete with 45 channels, LEDs and various lanterns to support both day-to-day teaching and setup for examined studio performances. The Burrell Studio is a smaller but similarly equipped space with rostrum platforms that can be used for both performance and audience seating. Both spaces have adaptable projector screens, along with an assortment of blocks and exchangeable chairs and tables to accommodate practical and written elements of the subject.
In the first two years, pupils develop a core understanding of the basic building blocks for staging and creating theatre. They aim to foster an appreciation for dramatic art, and develop skills in communication, collaboration, creativity and confidence. Role play, characterisation and improvisation skills are central topics when exploring Status and Commedia dell’arte. Experiential Drama focuses on a study of WW1 and more topical themes including Migration. Year 7 have the exciting opportunity to perform in the Drama Festival during the spring term, performing an abridged version of a published play with full production value.
By Year 9, a large proportion of pupils choose to pursue Drama, which provides a basis for a study of the subject at GCSE. Pupils at this stage journey through the varying developments in Theatre History as well as the study of a variety of diverse plays, theatrical styles, and devising. Pupils will stage extracts from classical Naturalism including Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Absurdism and Waiting for Godot, Dennis Kelly’s D.N.A, and devising through My Beautiful Laundrette. A written and theoretical element is introduced to prepare pupils for the rigors of the IGCSE course.
The Drama IGCSE course keeps the emphasis firmly on equipping pupils with a range of performance skills that are easily transferable to all areas of life. Through studying Drama, pupils gain a greater sense of self-confidence and an increased capacity to express and communicate effectively their opinions and beliefs. Theatre helps pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and emotional development as they explore Drama’s profound impact and influence on our culture and society.
The practical nature of the course is reflected in assessments in three coursework components, a Monologue, Scripted and Devising examination. Pupils are also expected to develop analytical and evaluative skills when reading and exploring the prescribed play-texts, and a competency in using Drama terminology to write from the perspective of performer, director and designer. Theatre visits to see plays complement our study and understanding of how theatre is made.
The Drama and Theatre Studies course is designed for students to explore plays from the point of view of a director, designer, performer, and critic. It is both a practical and analytical course that will assess a student’s ability to interpret, realise and evaluate creative pieces of theatre, foster an appreciation for art and literature. The course looks to shape and develop a rounded individual with the ability to interpret the social, cultural, historical, and moral challenges of our time.
LAMDA at John Lyon
RM Drama are proud to provide Speech and Drama classes at John Lyon School, working towards LAMDA examinations in acting, poetry, literature, and public speaking. The exams are ultimately about empowerment; giving students the opportunity to develop the life skills they need: attributes such as self-confidence and the ability to communicate clearly and present ideas.
LAMDA has been recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual, and the top grades carry UCAS points, useful for university applications.
Classes are designed to:
❖ Build confidence in public speaking and performance
❖ Foster a love of literature, poetry, and the arts
❖ Improve communication skills and develop interview technique
❖ Expand vocabulary and improve elocution
❖ Nurture creativity
Contact [email protected] for further details.
We provide a wide range of sporting activities and opportunities for all pupils.
At our Prep School we concur with educational theorists who emphasise the importance of the creative mind and ‘emotional intelligence’ and ‘wellbeing’ – the need to develop the whole personality and our pupil’s imaginations especially. Drama has the power to liberate the mind.
We encourage our pupils to become healthy, independent and responsible members of society. 
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History is taught throughout the School and pupils are encouraged to find out about events and peoples.
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English is taught using lively and creative methods through a variety of texts and resources incorporating ICT from Pre-Prep onwards.