We sat down with #PangCollUpperSixth student Harriet to discuss the Trinity Diploma in Drama course that she is taking.

Why are you taking the Trinity Diploma in Performing course?

At my previous school I did up to Grade 8 in Trinity, so the diploma is the next level in that. It equates to  first year university so it is a big step up for me, but drama is something that I have always been enthusiastic about. 

What do you need to do when undertaking the course?

The good thing about the diploma is that you have so much freedom. As long as you have two contrasting monologues, a poem, and then a piece of prose, you can pick from whatever you like . I also have to do ‘Viva Voce’ which is an impromptu talk and improvisation.

What have you enjoyed about the course so far?

Definitely the freedom in picking the pieces and because it’s a higher grade you really have to spend a lot of time on the pieces, so you get to really unpick them.

What are the challenges with this?

Because of the level of the diploma, some of the pieces contain challenging content so trying to unpick them respectfully is something that can be difficult. However, Miss Bland and I have really worked together to make pieces that I am very proud of.

What would you recommend to others undertaking this course and exam?

If anyone wants to broaden their creativity then it's a really good course to do that. As long as you’re dedicated to putting in the effort of learning your lines, and researching a lot into the plays and thinking about what you’re trying to put across in the theme, then it’s a really good course to do.

How do you think it will help you in the future?

The diploma has definitely given me confidence in my abilities. It has provided me with skills and knowledge that are definitely transferable for anything that I do in the future.

Why is this particular exam so important to your future?

Although I am applying to take Classics at university, I will always have a passion for drama and it is something that I want to be involved in for as long as I can. Doing the diploma really sets me up for all of the skills that I need to learn that are also transferable in any workplace.

What skills have you acquired whilst studying for it?

Because there is quite a bit of content, I have definitely learned the skill of time management by juggling the diploma with my three A Levels and an EPQ. It has also built my confidence in my acting abilities and I have had to stretch myself for some more challenging pieces.