Drama is an integral part of a child’s education, and it is on offer in no small measure at Copthorne Prep. Children receive timetabled drama lessons every week from years 3 to 8. This enables us to promote educational drama alongside performance drama; the former being taught as part of a syllabus during discrete lessons; the latter being encouraged through all forms of school production, from smaller festival plays and recitals to whole-school musicals.
Drama may not be an examined subject at common entrance, but few would doubt the benefits it brings to children’s self-esteem, confidence and communication skills. Whether preparing for a school play, writing a sketch of their own or participating in an educational drama lesson, Copthorne Prep pupils are actively engaged in developing the kinds of life skills that will enable them to become confident, expressive and creative citizens.
Performance drama is delivered through a range of productions, from whole school plays in the gym, to smaller productions in the theatre, to weekly dramatised assemblies in chapel. Every pupil will have the opportunity to take part in a dramatic performance during the course of a year. Recent productions include Shakespeare Rocks, Matilda, Alice in Wonderland, Studio Drama, Oliver, Fantastic Mr Fox, The Wizard of Oz and The Lion King.
LAMDA lessons are also available to pupils from reception to year 8.