The Drama Department has been treated to a revamp, with new studios constructed in Ivry House. The rooms consist of entirely black walls, blackout blinds, professional theatre lights (and accompanying extensive light control board), and black accessories.

We spoke to Head of Drama Mrs Pitt, who enthused about the new setup. She said: “By redoing the drama space, students are able to develop their holistic theatre skills, and subsequently are allowing themselves to adapt and improve their techniques and styles.”

She added: “The bare nature of the rooms make students understand that it’s not just about the final result when it comes to developing their theatre, it’s also about the journey. By removing any distracting furniture, posters,and unnecessary props, the drama is taking over.”

The minimalist and dark walls help students immerse themselves in their work, resulting in higher levels of focus, and as there is more space now, each group is able to get a working place to themselves, and there has been visible improvement in the quality of pieces.

This expansion has also helped demonstrate the value of Drama in school. It has helped many students to build their confidence, forcing them out of their comfort zones in order to create pieces which radiate empathy, humour and uniqueness.

This new expansion will prove to be invaluable to allowing the Drama Department to flourish, and giving students the opportunity to work at their highest potential.

Dylan J M and Isabel M, Year 12