Summary

GCSE Drama is a popular option choice with students following the Edexcel syllabus. Students are taught in purpose built drama studios which are fully equipped with a range of sound, lighting and technical facilities. The course places strong emphasis on developing students’ ability to create and shape their own performance work. Students will acquire a breadth and depth of knowledge over the two years; including an understanding of how contemporary and historical theatre practitioners and genres have shaped how theatre works. During the course students’ will study at least two complete plays; see a vast amount of live theatre; take part as either an actor or designer in two formally assessed practical exams and develop skills in writing about and analysing theatre. The course provides a solid foundation for Drama and Theatre Studies A Level, whilst also being an effective platform for a range of career and study choices as it develops transferable skills such as creativity self-confidence, communication, evaluation and team work. 

Course details

Examination

The course is examined at the end of Year 11.

Component 1: Devising Theatre

This component requires students to participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus

In the study of this component students will:

• Perform in, or design a piece of devised work.
• Write a creative log exploring the process of developing the performance work, written or audio.
• Write an evaluation of the devised piece.

Component 2: Performing a Text

Learners are required to participate in a performance from a text. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how to interpret a text for performance and realise artistic intentions.

In the study of this component students will: Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Learners study two extracts from the same performance text Learners participate in two performances using sections of text from both extracts.

Learners must submit to the examiner a brief account of approximately 150 words (ie approximately half a side of A4) outlining their artistic intentions for the piece.

Component 3: Text in Performance

This component is a written exam. Students will study the set text of 100 from the perspectives of directors, actors and designers. They are also to evaluate the work of a live theatre piece that they have seen during their GCSE year from the perspective of directors, actors and designers.

In the study of this component students will:

• Develop understanding of the texts’ original performance conditions
• Explore how the texts could be interpreted from a performance, design and directorial perspective
• Evaluate how directorial, design and acting decisions were used effectively within a piece of live theatre.

 

 

 

Summary

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies is a popular and demanding course. Students follow the Edexcel syllabus. As with GCSE, students are taught in purpose-built studios which are fully equipped with a range of sound, lighting and technical facilities. The A Level requires that, over the two years, students study five different plays; see a diverse range of live theatre performances and take part in at least three formally assessed performance pieces as either an actor or designer. The course develops and demands high levels of creativity. Students learn about the styles and approaches of different practitioners and theatre companies and explore how they can use these in their own performance work. They develop an in-depth theoretical understanding of how performance elements are applied to create meaning. They are required to demonstrate, in a written exam, their knowledge of how texts might be brought to life by actors, directors and designers. 

Course details

Component 1: Devising: This component requires students to demonstrate skills and understanding in performance, either as actors or designers. In the study of this component, students use an extract of a play text as a stimulus for a devised performance. The devised piece will be the students’ original work and will be performed in the style of a recognised theatre practitioner. Students will also complete a piece of written coursework which reflects on the process and evaluates the piece they have created.

Component 2: Text in Performance: This component requires students to demonstrate skills and understanding of text-based performance. In the study of this component, students will be assessed as either a performer or a designer. They will develop two pieces from two different play texts, one a group piece and the other, either a monologue or duologue.

Component 3: Text in Performance: This component is a written exam. Students will study two set texts: Machinal and Dr  Faustus from the perspectives of directors, actors and designers. In the study of this component, students will develop an understanding of the texts’ original performance conditions, explore how the texts could be interpreted from a performance, design and directorial perspective, and develop ideas for the staging of the texts. Students will also be required to write an essay analysing and evaluating a piece of live theatre they have seen as a part of the course.

Entry Criteria

GCSE grade 6 in Drama if studied,  or GCSE Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.