Drama and Performance at Surbiton High Boys’ Prep
Performance plays a central role at the Boys’ Prep School, giving all pupils opportunities to take to the stage and develop essential confidence, communication and presentation skills. From their earliest years, boys learn how to speak clearly, work collaboratively and engage an audience – skills that support both their academic progress and personal development.
Productions Across The Boys’ Prep
In Reception to Year 2, boys present a Christmas-themed production each Autumn Term, while Year 4 pupils collaborate on a larger-scale showcase in the Spring Term.
The Year 6 end-of-year production is a particular highlight, enabling boys to apply and celebrate the dramatic and communication skills they have developed throughout Key Stage 2. Recent productions have included The Lion King, Shrek and Oliver.
Opportunities also extend beyond the Prep School itself. Each year, boys from upper Key Stage 2 are selected to perform alongside Surbiton High Senior School pupils in a major production at the Wimbledon Theatre, providing a unique taste of professional theatre and an unforgettable experience.
For pupils keen to pursue Drama further, a weekly after-school Drama club is open to both boys and girls – a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with our Girls’ Prep School.
Drama Curriculum
Alongside these rich performance opportunities, Drama is woven throughout the English curriculum at the Boys’ Prep. This supports the Speaking and Listening element of English and increasingly contributes to preparation for the 11+ process.
From Year 3 to Year 6, boys develop expressive communication, dramatic techniques and engagement with a variety of texts. Activities include public speaking, presenting to an audience, participating in discussions, role play and improvisation. Pupils learn to speak audibly and fluently, gain and maintain the attention of listeners, ask and answer questions, and use Standard English where appropriate.
As they progress, boys move from devising scenes and exploring characters to working confidently from scripts. Through this, they develop not only their performance ability but also wider communication skills — clarity, confidence, listening and articulation — that benefit them well beyond the stage.
