“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” - Albert Einstein

The world of Drama and Theatre is a vast and ever developing landscape that is at the heart of society, providing us with our own cultural identity. From the Ancient Greeks to Shakespeare, from West African, Indian and Italian Theatre to British Realism, we are all consumed by the need to tell stories. Theatre is a collective experience of the human condition. It is community, the intertwining of human lives, and community is infectious, transmitted from person to person. The ripple effect of the stories we tell in a theatre spreads from one human being to another, and then emanates outward, forever. As Oscar Wilde once said “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

The study of Drama and Theatre within the curriculum has an important role to play in the personal development of our students. The skills and qualities developed by students in drama, such as creativity, leadership, teamwork, problem solving and risk-taking are assets in all subjects and all areas of life. Drama stimulates the imagination and allows students to explore issues and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

It is vital to create an atmosphere of security, trust and concentration. Drama promotes self-esteem and provides all students with a sense of achievement regardless of academic ability. It is about social skills, communication skills and having fun - we learn by doing.

Through the study of Drama, students develop a knowledge of a variety of cultures, styles and conventions, and understand the different ways to convey character, emotion, mood and atmosphere. An exploration of both scripted and devised work allows students to develop their ability to structure effective theatre through use of dialogue, physical movement, pace and the organisation of scenes. Regular reflection on the development of personal and group work develops key skills in critical analysis, building resilience in their response to feedback.

At QE, we are keen to share our passion and enthusiasm for working creatively, developing accessible, inclusive and enjoyable experiences for our students. We aim to develop the students’ confidence, sense of self and citizenship through exploration of ideas, values and beliefs as well as to stimulate the students' intellectual knowledge and critical understanding by responding inventively to stimulus material that explores different concepts, issues and cultures.

Through this experience we promote a passion for the arts and an enjoyment of learning that will develop our students' ability to think creatively in future roles and careers. We aim to raise the profile of the creative industries as an available career pathway and support further educational and professional aspirations by furnishing them with the necessary skills, experiences and qualifications to take the next step to studying Drama and Theatre based subjects.