Everything the Drama department do is underpinned by their inspirational vision: ‘Logic will get you so far; imagination will get you anywhere.’

Consisting of three highly skilled, outstanding Drama practitioners, this department is characterised by dedication and passion. Collectively, our drama teachers contribute to achieving impressive results at both KS4 and KS5. Based primarily in The Octagon Studio, MB5 and Faraday Theatre, our Drama department teach all students in KS3 and over 50 students who have chosen to continue Drama at GCSE, as well as thriving Sixth Form classes. Resources and spaces in Drama are crucial to enable successful performance, and the department benefit from three purpose-built rooms: MB5 is a blacked out, open rehearsal space where the vast majority of Key Stage 3 lessons are taught, The Octagon is a small studio theatre, blacked out and fitted with lighting and sound equipment, and Faraday Theatre is a full working theatre space with black dance flooring and lighting and sound equipment. The team are also equipped with a full set of bespoke Trestle theatre masks and a collection of props and costumes, as well as a rich selection of scripts.

In 2019, 100% of students passed their Performing Arts qualification, with 47% achieving Distinction* or Distinction.

For many students making the transition from KS2 to KS3, Drama is a new subject and so with this in mind, each year students are invited to audition for EDGE, Ridgewood's own drama group for students with a keen interest and ability in the performing arts. As part of EDGE, they receive performing arts training and then showcase their talent as part of a range of performances and competitions. The Year 6 students who participate in this find the experience enriching and highly beneficial to their transition from primary to secondary.

A broad range of enrichment activities allow the Drama department to convey their vision across school and beyond. Our most exceptional EDGE members take part in competitions such as ‘National Connections’, a competition run by the National Theatre which gives young people the experience of professional theatre making. Their experience mirrors that of a company producing a new play in any theatre in the country and they create marketing campaigns, design sets and costumes, operate lighting and sound boards and stage-manage their performances. Last year the cast rehearsed and performed ‘Eclipse’, which was performed at both Ridgewood and CAST Theatre in Doncaster. Students also get the opportunity to take part in a range of other clubs and competitions, including Limelights drama club, and our Lighting and Sound group.

The whole school musical, Legally Blonde, will be performed in March 2020.

For information about studying Performing Arts at Sixth Form, please visit our Sixth Form course pages.

KS3 

KS4