In addition to the large scale annual school production, students are given a wide range of opportunities to develop their experiences through Drama. Links have been established with a wide range of theatre groups, agencies and organisations. Students are encouraged to experience Drama in its widest sense, participating in community projects and supporting organisations including the Greater Manchester Police.

Students are regularly given the opportunity to experience live theatre through the residency of touring groups and visits to local and regional theatres. The Performing Arts visit to London provides students with the opportunity to experience live musical theatre. The Manchester Actors and Waterfall are regular visitors to the Drama Department. Students have had the opportunity to work with DIY Theatre, a group which encourages collaborative work between our pupils and learning-disabled performers. Most recently, our partnership has developed with Wish FM, enabling students to work in a professional radio station. Roles have been varied including writing, presenting and marketing.

There are links with Drama schools and colleges, including ALRA, Runshaw and St John Rigby College and Wigan and Leigh College who present their performance work. These mutually beneficial partnerships are valuable in enabling students to share their work.

GCSE students present their practical work in an evening showcase and there are additional opportunities including ‘Fisher Factor’, and the Christmas and Summer Concerts. Drama provides an opportunity for students to work with resident performers and artists, through a range of exciting and engaging workshops. This has included practical workshops from stage combat to theatre/special effects make- up.