The Drama Department has had a very busy year and this June the first IGCSE Drama candidates were entered. I must thank Liam Farrow and Gemma Jones in Year 11 for their support in the inauguration of Drama as an academic subject in the school. They have taken part in the school drama production, ’Uman, Wittering and Zigo’ with major parts (Liam was in every scene and did not miss one rehersal). Gemma´s preparation for her IGCSE was exemplary in every way. Her rendering of Lady Macbeth was particularly striking.

The Year 10 group has been so enthusiastic and full of ideas. Particularly memorable was their contribution to the School’s anti-drug programme and as the class that had killed their teacher in ‘Unman, Wittrring and Zigo’. Drama demands self-expression and empathy. The Year 10 group had plenty of it! Another thing that is required is group work - the year 10 group had plenty of it. Another thing needed is self-discipline. Alas and alack, they didn’t have plenty of it but I have a feeling that next year they are going to solve that particular problem because wild though they have been, they are committed, appreciative - and talented. All will be well.

Just before the end of term, I was informed that Drama students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are going to have three periods of Drama. There is also the possibility that in Year 10, Drama will become a proper IGCSE option. At the moment Drama is only available to those students who do not take Spanish Studies (Lengua and Sociales). I know that there has been disappointment that Spanish nationals have not been able to take Drama so we all hope that this disappointment will become a thing of the past.

I would like to thank the Parents’ Council for their grant of 600 Euros towards improving the stage lighting and the Headmaster for considering the possibility of a purpose built theatre which would cater for the dramatic needs of the whole school. This summer the department will be finding professional guidance to advise us about the best way forward.

Finally I would like to thank Greg Rutnam of Year 11 for finally realising that he could act. He made great strides in his acting in Year 11 and I hope success has resulted. Acting like singing and dancing and reading and painting and cooking and sculpting, etc, etc... are gifts which we all can enjoy should we give ourselves the opportunity; they are also so important in the creation of the well-rounded person. Drama, of course extends its form into Direction, Design and technical production. It is quite a subject!

I fell privileged that I've had the opportunity to extend this particular Art over the last 23 years at Runnymede College.