Life in Dramaramaland
Queen Anne's Performing Arts Centre (“the PAC”) is a modern, purpose-built performance space. It has 258 permanent seats but can accommodate many more with temporary seating. The facility has a control room (housing a computerised lighting and sound system), and a sound recording studio. There are also two rehearsal/class rooms, an office, backstage areas and a dressing room.
Lower Four - Upper Four
The younger girls spend much of their time developing their “drama toolkit” – dramatic techniques which girls will be able to use with growing confidence as they move further up the school. Much of the work here is designed to develop confidence, imagination and creativity, energy and teamwork.
GCSE and A Level
- The department follows the Edexcel syllabus and this summer's exams saw 80% of our girls achieving A*/A (we went one better last year with a 100% A*/A record).
- This summer's examinations also saw two QAS girls being placed in the top 10 in the UK out of all the 60,878 candidates.
- The performances of some QAS girls are included in the forthcoming Edexcel exam board's Teacher and Student Resource Material as examples of outstanding work.
- At A level, the department follows the Edexcel syllabus and this summer's exams saw 90% A-B. By the time girls have reached A level at Queen Anne's, there are expected to be able to perform to a very high standard indeed – in recent years, a number have gone on to study the subject at degree level with a view to entering the profession.
Beyond QAS
- Since 2004 a number of girls have furthered their interests in studying drama, acting or directing at various drama schools and universities.
- In recent years, a number of Queen Anne's girls have appeared on television for the BBC and Sky and have featured in films such as St Trinians.
- Queen Anne's also has a very successful record of girls winning places at the National Youth Theatre to train with professionals in London; this year we had two successful applicants (about 4,000 wannabes apply nationally for only a few dozen places)
The Department also offers:
- Three full scale productions a year (recent productions are as diverse as Macbeth and Adrian Mole, The Wind in the Willows to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest)
- Informal Showcase performances
- Masterclasses and workshops with professional practitioners
- Regular theatre trips for exam classes (both to London and the regional theatres)
- Junior Drama Club
- Drama Chapel services
- Private LAMDA Speech and Drama examination preparation
- Drama Scholarships (at 11+, 13+ and 16+)
Teaching staff
Head of Drama: Mr Rhodri Punter
Miss Stephanie French
LAMDA: Mrs Suzanne Durham