A popular choice at GCSE level, girls study the Eduqas specification. Students experience a range of dramatic styles and techniques and are introduced to a variety of theatre practitioners, including: Steven Berkoff, Emma Rice and Joan Littlewood. Through workshop style lessons, girls are encouraged to reflect on their practice and take on the perspective, not only of the actor, but of the director, designer and most importantly, the audience.

Speech and Drama lessons are taken by many girls at The Royal High School and offer students the opportunity to develop skills in a range of different acting techniques, including improvisation, devising, characterisation, mime, verse and prose reading. The department also offers classes in public speaking, oral presentation skills and interview techniques. Many students have found that the added confidence and skill set that they acquire from the lessons have been a great asset throughout their school life and at university level and beyond.

Students also have the opportunity to study towards LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) performance exams and many have entered the annual Mid-Somerset Drama Festival in Bath. The Royal High School has had many award-winning entries in recent years. Girls are able to choose from a wide range of categories in the LAMDA syllabi, including acting, public speaking, devised theatre, Shakespeare and verse and prose. From Grade 6 onwards all exams carry UCAS points and lessons are also available to use as a skill for those working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Once students have reached Grade 8 level, Diplomas are offered through 'The University of West London'. Sessions run for 30 minutes a week and are taught either in a solo or duo capacity. For more information, please contact Selina Lattuca - Head of LAMDA: s.lattuca@rhsb.gdst.net

Beyond the classroom

Alongside course study, we believe it is vital that our students experience a range of live performances by professional practitioners. To this end the department organises numerous visits to both local and London theatres as well as the chance to participate in enrichment through our own, regular school productions. Recently we have staged : ‘Annie’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’; ‘Oh! What A Lovely War’; ‘The Crucible’; ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Oliver!’.

We aim to build a passion for drama which is rooted in the development of both skills and self-confidence. We regularly enhance our teaching with visiting workshops from outside practitioners and professionals so students gain an insight into the industry. Each year, we offer an exclusive workshop season, open to all of our students and delivered by professional actors and directors, at the end of the Summer term.

In addition, we actively encourage and prepare girls to audition for established local and national opportunities in Drama such as: TRB Engage, National Youth Theatre, National Youth Music Theatre and Monologue Slam.

Beyond RHS

Recent alumni have gone on to train at nationally and internationally recognised Drama schools and Universities such as: Central School of Speech and Drama, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Bard College New York, The National Institute of Dramatic Art and both Royal Holloway and Goldsmith Universities. Many students go on to pursue professional careers in the theatre, television and film, both as actors and behind the scenes as directors, producers and technicians. Recent alumni have enjoyed careers in the West End and English National Opera as well as establishing their own theatre companies.