Ratcliffe Drama Students back on stage as the show must go on!

It has been fantastic to see 23 students from Year 11 take part in their Drama assessments thanks to the lifting of Covid restrictions earlier in the year. Many schools across the country were not able to conduct the ‘Performance from a text’ examinations with social distancing, but we are proud that we were able to make this happen and it was a joy to witness!

Ratcliffe’s Drama Department really did do everything in their power to make it possible for students to participate in such a vital part of the course, whilst also providing an opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication.

Seeing the students back on stage for potentially their last time at Ratcliffe, is proof of the lengths our dedicated and experienced staff are willing to go, to ensure every child’s big idea is encouraged!

During remote learning, Drama Teacher Miss Sapiano continued with virtual practical rehearsals. She energised the students with physical warm-ups and developed their vocal skills from her own dining room. Ensuring students didn’t lose any precious rehearsal time  and enabling them to develop their acting skills and artistic intentions in ‘breakout rooms’ using Google Classroom.

21 different extracts from a variety of plays were carefully selected to ensure each child had the best opportunity to stretch, challenge and develop their acting abilities. The plays ranged from comedies Daisy Pulls It off by Denise Deegan and John Godber’s Bouncers, to the tragedies of Sophocles’ Antigone and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Head of Drama, Jessica Munton commented on the feat, saying: “’Year 11 had us laughing and crying with such a range of performances during their assessment day, I felt privileged to be witnessing live theatre after such a long time.

The students did a magnificent job of supporting each other throughout the day. They returned to school highly motivated thanks to Miss Sapiano’s energy and encouragement and it was inspirational to witness them work so hard. I hope they all feel a real sense of achievement having accomplished a live performance, despite the adversity faced! Well done to all!”

Miss Sapiano added, “I couldn’t be prouder of our Year 11 Drama students. They never gave up hope, I wouldn’t let them! I’d like to thank the students for remaining engaged and working so hard unwaveringly.

“I’d also like to thank Mrs Viccars for making set, costume and props with limited resources, Mr Ricks for adding a splash of magic with lighting and sound, Mr Walker and the Maintenance Department for moving various items of furniture to the Theatre for us, and Mrs Munton for supporting the examination process.

“It’s been a challenge, but one that has been thoroughly worth it! These were some of the best GCSE performances we have witnessed, which is a testament to the hard work of the students.”

If you would like to know more about our drama provision, check out our drama pages below, or better yet why not see the drama department for yourself and book a visit with our Headmaster!

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