The Drama department at Benenden School is professional, vibrant, and innovative. A passionate staff of teachers and drama practitioners work effectively as a team to ensure the creativity and passion of the young people at Benenden is fully realised. In a modern and changing world where creativity is hugely prized, the Drama Department strives to equip our young people with these essential skills, developing learners who are confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic. We provide teaching that inspires and challenges, seeking to foster both a sense of determination and the innate need to be resilient.
We are incredibly fortunate at Benenden to have both a multi-purpose Theatre and two excellent professional sound and lighting technicians. Factoring in a superbly resourced costume and props department and state of the art sound and lighting equipment, the only limit the students have in the work that they wish to create whilst studying at Benenden is their own imagination and dedication.
Drama at Benenden provides a whole host of opportunities at GCSE, A Level and Co-Curricular for individuals to get involved in producing outstanding work. It also offers self-discovery, and the opportunity to experience what it means to be part of a thriving, supportive and creative community.
The Drama Department offers a wide range of Co-Curricular activities including:
- Regular theatre trips to London and surrounding venues
- Workshops with professional theatre makers/companies
- Speech and Drama teachers with industry experience who offer TRINITY and LAMDA exams
- A rigorous Drama Scholars’ Programme
- The opportunity to study Ballet or Rambert Grades – Contemporary Dance
- The chance to perform in both Senior and Junior plays
Through our curriculum students are able to develop their skills by studying a range of differing theatre styles and exploring the work of a host of drama practitioners. These allow them the opportunity to both devise original work or approach text in bold and innovative ways.
With a combination of professional facilities and passionate teachers lead by a committed Head of Department, the young people of Benenden are allowed the opportunity to develop their skills, broaden their range, and to see just how good they can be. We are proud to say that we equip our pupils with skills that are transferable, ensuring those who study Drama leave the School as confident, outgoing, and imaginative young people with a range of skills to offer the world.
Head of Department
Fiona Lennon
Fiona trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama and went on to do an MA at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Kings College London.
She has been Head of Drama in both the state and independent sector including at The Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells.
Fiona joined Benenden at the start of 2019.
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