Godalming College has won the category ‘Outstanding School Drama Department’ in the Music & Drama Education Awards 2024. ClassAction was one of five shortlisted Drama departments nationwide.
The Music & Drama Education Awards celebrate the extraordinary contribution made by professionals, schools, companies, charities and other organisations to the lives of others through the medium of Drama and Music.
“It has been a great honour to be shortlisted for this award and it just shows the dedication and hard work of our Drama department. They absolutely deserve this recognition”, says Oliver Stevens, Deputy Principal.
In the category ‘Outstanding School Drama Department’, judges were looking for exceptional drama provision and for staff that go above and beyond to support students with access to drama and theatre opportunities in and out of school.
“We are so excited to be shortlisted for this award”, says Andrew Pullen, Head of Department for Drama, Dance and Performing Arts at Godalming College. “It's wonderful to keep drama rooted in the curriculum here at Godalming and to celebrate drama as a unique practical and academic subject in its own right. The Performing Arts also are an important contributor to people’s wellbeing and the UK economy and we hope to make an important contribution to both, here at the College.”
The shortlist was chosen by a prominent panel of expert judges, such as Dr Steve Ball from the Drama and Theatre Education Alliance, Natalie Clarke from London Bubble, Alison Mears from Guildhall Drama School and Maddie Short from the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation. The winners will be announced at the Award ceremony in London on 22nd February.
See what some of our former students have to say about ClassAction:
Ethan Rouse, now at Royal Welsh says "For the first time in my education, it felt like I was being treated as a serious practitioner and a theatre maker, rather than just a student, and that allowed me to develop valuable craft-skills which helped me get into drama school."
"My experience with ClassAction gave me the ability to collaborate, ultimately preparing me for life at drama school and in the industry after that. I am forever thankful for what ClassAction has taught me - it is the foundation for all that I hope to achieve in the future," comments Harry Horton, now at Rose Bruford.
"I would not have achieved all that I have since College without the support, drive and passion that bursts from this department. Being in a safe environment that pushed me has equipped me with the creative, professional and practical craft-skills needed to progress in this industry. I owe so much to ClassAction, and am incredibly grateful for my time there," says Emma Currier now at Mountview.