Performing Arts

Drama is taught to all pupils in Years 6 and 7 as part of the English curriculum, with a focus on ensemble work, communication, negotiation and collaboration. Students also begin to explore performance vocabulary and techniques through devising and text-based work. 

In Year 9, pupils can opt to study Drama more formally, receiving four periods a week. They begin to build key skills in physical theatre, comedy, and social issues-based work, laying strong foundations for GCSE study. 

At GCSE, we follow the Pearson Edexcel syllabus. Students are assessed on devising original work, performing in a group or duologue, and sitting a written exam. The exam includes performance analysis, as well as actor and designer responses to a set text. Currently, this is 1984, adapted by Duncan Macmillan and Robert Icke. Students also evaluate live theatre, supported by regular trips and professional performances in school by companies such as Splendid Productions and Theatre Ad Infinitum. 

At AS and A Level, students continue with Pearson Edexcel, studying and devising work in the style of practitioners such as Artaud and Forced Entertainment. Written exams explore texts like Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Woyzeck, alongside analysis of live performance. Pupils present monologues or duologues, as well as group work, with technical candidates designing lighting, sound, costume or set for performance. 

Our resident technician supports all assessed work and school productions, guiding pupils through design and technical processes. 

Performing arts at LGS go far beyond the classroom. From full-scale musicals to experimental theatre, students have many chances to perform, direct or support behind the scenes. 

Every Year 6 pupil takes part in a summer production, which has included Ali Baba, Toad of Toad Hall and Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations. In Year 7, students collaborate with a professional company to produce a full pantomime, complete with pyrotechnics, slapstick and live music. Year 8 productions are more ensemble-based, focusing on physical storytelling. Past performances include adaptations of Roald Dahl stories and Just So tales, with Shakespeare next in line. 

Senior school productions have featured titles such as Oliver, Blood Brothers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oh What a Lovely War and Grease. Lower school shows have included The Twits, It Snows, Swallows and Amazons and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the latter performed in several locations including the LGS Sixth Form Centre and later invited to Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the Shakespeare Birthday celebrations. 

Our student-led Tech Team plays a vital role in bringing performances to life. Boys are trained to build sets, rig lighting, manage sound and projection, and have supported shows both in-house and at external venues including Curve Theatre and the Shakespeare Schools Festival. 

Beyond productions, the drama and performing arts programme includes a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. Drama clubs are available for Years 6 to 9, while the New Director’s Season allows students to write, adapt and direct original theatre, supported by older students and staff. This initiative has even led to student-written work being performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

We also take regular theatre trips to major venues including the West End, Edinburgh Fringe, Warwick Arts Centre, Curve and Theatre Royal Nottingham. Recent productions seen include Matilda, Things I Know to Be True, The Play That Goes Wrong, The 39 Steps, John and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

Specialist workshops further enrich the programme. Recent highlights include stage combat (leading to qualifications in hand-to-hand and knife work), clowning and visits from leading touring companies. 

We offer LAMDA classes in Acting, Public Speaking, Verse & Prose, and Musical Theatre, from Grade 1 to Diploma level. Our tutors are highly experienced performers and examiners who have worked internationally. 

To enquire about LAMDA lessons, please contact: 
s.bruton@lsf.org