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The study of Drama & Theatre Arts is practical, physical, embodied, and also intellectual.
The majority of courses in drama are founded around a practical process with a modest written element. However, students also study for two external examinations per year level: one a response to live theatre; the second a study of a theatre form (e.g., Shakespeare’s Theatre). In Year 13, students are offered a third examination opportunity – the Scholarship Drama Examination. Westlake boys have enjoyed achieving Outstanding Scholarships in both 2021 and 2019 in this exam. The first time students can take drama is in Year 9, for one term, but from Year 10 onwards drama is a whole-year course of study.
Although numerous students do go on to study drama, theatre, or an arts subject at university or training institutions, the study of drama and theatre is focused around helping students gain the ‘soft skills’ needed to navigate a 21st Century world. Emotional intelligence, teamwork, leadership under pressure, reading people and situations, and collaboration are all essential for future success, and are experienced through drama.
The staff member who leads the department is Dr. Nick Brown: [email protected]
Technical Performance Course
At Westlake Boys there is the opportunity to join a team of dedicated students who are taught both in a curriculum (Performing Arts Technology Course) context, where students can gain credits for technical work undertaken at school, or alternatively a more relaxed non-assessed after-school club.
The work of these students is then seen in the major Westlake Schools’ production, in the Year 13 drama class production, and at school-wide community events such as Korean Night and Chinese Night. The students on this course study, design, create and execute lighting design, sound design, stage management, and props & costume design, and work with a real world client under authentic conditions.
The staff member who leads this course is Mr. Lee McClymont: [email protected]
