Drama
Drama at King Edward’s School, Bath provides pupils with the opportunity to develop confidence, teamwork and self-expression through a rich programme of productions, performances and theatrical experiences. Rooted in the school’s commitment to a genuinely all-round education, drama encourages pupils to take creative risks, work collaboratively and grow in self-belief, whether performing on stage, working behind the scenes or contributing as part of a wider production team.
Performance lies at the heart of the KES drama experience, with three major productions per year. A culture of participation and encouragement ensures that pupils of all experience levels can develop their skills, discover a passion for theatre and enjoy the excitement of bringing performances to life. Success beyond the school reflects the strength of this provision, with pupils achieving recognition through opportunities such as Bath Young Actor of the Year and the Mid-Somerset Festival. Above all, drama at KES helps pupils find their voice, connect with others and experience the rewards of working collectively towards a shared creative goal. Recent school productions have included Macbeth, The Wind in the Willows and Into the Woods.
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Arts FestivalWe also offer the incredible opportunity for pupils to perform at the most prestigious Arts Festival in the world, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Upper School and Sixth Form pupils have come together as a professional Theatre Company to produce and perform shows including music, singing, dancing and acting to perform in Edinburgh to sell-out audiences and rave reviews. |
Plays & tripsAll Drama exam pupils are expected to attend a minimum of three live theatre shows a year, and by the end of their studies at KES it is hoped that they will have seen some of the most inspiring companies in the country perform in some of the nation’s most prestigious venues. The shows we go to watch, are often challenging, groundbreaking and inspiring. And it isn’t just the older pupils who benefit from these trips; the lower years and middle years are also invited on theatre trips. |
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To encourage a sense of passion for Drama and to gain a better understanding of life in the industry, we often enhance our teaching with visiting workshops from outside practitioners and professionals. In recent years, these workshops have included physical theatre, stage combat, lighting design, script-writing, and devising workshops with companies such as MC Combat and the renowned performers from award-winning Frantic Assembly.
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drama clubsIn addition to the plays and trips, we offer two drama clubs, a popular tech club run by our in-house professional technicians and a plethora of performance opportunities. Year 7 pupils are offered the opportunity to perform in the inter-form drama competition. We continue to offer one-to-one and paired lessons for LAMDA examinations (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and last year all pupils were awarded either a pass with Merit or Distinction for their exams. Over fifty pupils from the Senior School are currently taking LAMDA lessons. |
This aspect of our teaching has continued to increase over the last few years and has proved extremely successful in honing the dramatic skills and confidence of individuals. We also have a tradition of leavers returning to help direct, choreograph or assist with musical direction of the main school play. We offer an annual position to a Post Graduate Drama professional who assists in our thriving department in lessons, clubs, with productions and all other exciting opportunities we offer in Drama.
LAMDA AT KES
LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected awarding organisations, with examinations running for over 130 years. Preparing for and succeeding in a LAMDA qualification helps pupils of all ages and aspirations to develop confidence, clarity and expression in spoken communication—skills that are invaluable both in school and beyond.
At King Edward’s School, pupils have the opportunity to work towards LAMDA examinations in Acting, and in some cases Public Speaking or Verse & Prose, depending on the individual child. Pupils are entered for grades 1–8 according to their experience and ability. Each examination is designed to develop the skills needed to communicate dramatic text effectively and confidently to an audience.
Lessons may be taken either as a solo performer or as part of a duologue. In both cases, pupils perform pieces from memory and respond to questions about their chosen material, encouraging thoughtful engagement with language and performance.
Pupils receive a weekly 30 minute lesson, either individually or with a partner. Lessons are available during curriculum time for pupils in Years 7 to 11, and during study periods for those in Years 12 and 13. To minimise disruption, lessons rotate termly so that pupils do not miss the same subject too frequently. The LAMDA timetable runs on a fortnightly (Weeks A and B) basis, meaning pupils miss a different subject each week, with subjects changing again each term.
LAMDA examinations take place at a LAMDA accredited public examination centre in Bath on selected Saturdays or Sundays three times a year, usually in November, March and June. Alternative centres are also available in Bristol and Swindon.
