Drama

Drama Courses:

GCSE Drama

A Level Theatre Studies

Advanced Subsidiary GCSE

GCSE Drama

GCSE Drama is examined in three units.

First unit: you learn a script with a group and act it out in a performance. Your work is recorded on DVD.
Second unit: you can design costumes, set or lights. Or you can write a script or direct, working with one to four group members. Your work is recorded on DVD.
Third unit: you chose to act or design. You perform in front of a visiting examiner.

The course is fun and hard work. Chose drama only if you get on with people and can interact with others to build cooperative quality work.

A Level Theatre Studies

Year 12 starts with practical work. You will explore and discover the work of two leading theatre practitioners. Building on these workshops you will act out a scene from a scripted play and then devise your own. You will work in a group of 2 – 5. Your exam is in December/January.

You will study two set plays in a practical way and experience two or more live theatrical performances. This is compulsory. You will answer written questions on your texts and plays seen.

You need a C in GCSE drama and a C in English to qualify for the course. If you have a C in english but did not take GCSE drama you can audition to be accepted on the course. The course is demanding, exciting, difficult but rewarding.

Advanced subsidiary GCSE

GCE AS and A Drama and Theatre Studies

Summary od assessment:

This specification is divided into a total of four units, two AS units and two A2 units. Weighting noted below are expressed in terms of the full A Level qualification.

Two AS units:

1. Unit title: performance workshop

20% practical performance

60 marks (80 ums)

For this unit candidates will either act in a group or contribute their chosen technical production skill to a performance from a set text and a devised piece. They will work on the ideas of twp practitioners. The unit is internally marked and externally moderated.


2. Unit title: text in performance

30% written paper (2 hour paper)

120 marks (120 ums)

Candidates will answer three questions:

One pre-1900 text from a prescribed list

One post 1900 text from a prescribed list.

Live theatre review

The unit is externally marked.

Requirements for the course:

Good attendance with at least four GCSE with grade C in GCSE English and at least a grade C in GCSE drama. Please note that if you have not taken GCSE Drama you will need to prove your ability by audition with the department.

You must be prepared to pay for seeing at least two productions during your as year. Curve productions are around £10.