Drama and Theatre Studies

A Level Drama and Theatre

About A Level Drama and Theatre

Entry Requirements: A minimum grade 6 in GCSE Drama. (Students would still be able to take this subject if they were unable to do GCSE Drama but they should have some experience in Performing Arts outside school.)

Course Content:

Component 1:  Drama and Theatre

What is assessed –

• Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre
• Study of two set plays
• Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers

How it is assessed –

• Written Exam 3 hours
• Open book
• 80 marks
• 40% of A Level

Component 2:  Creating Original Drama

What is assessed -

• Process of creating devised drama
• Performance of devised drama

Devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner.

How it is assessed –

• Working notebook (40 marks)
• Devised performance (20 marks)
• 60 marks in total
• 30% of A Level

Component 3: Making Theatre

What is assessed -

• Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts each taken from a different play
• Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to extract 3
• Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessed piece
• Reflective report analysing and evaluation theatrical interpretation of all three extracts

How it is assessed –

• Performance of extract 3 (40 marks)
• Reflective report (20 marks)
• 60 marks in total
• 30% of A Level
• Marked by external examiner

Higher Educations and Careers:

Careers directly related to Drama - Arts/theatre administration, arts journalism, director, actor, designer, playwright, stage management, theatre management, theatrical agent, technician, broadcasting, media presenting, education, drama therapy and scriptwriting.

However the communication and presentation skills, co-operative team work, problem solving, creative thinking, literacy, planning and organization skills acquired through drama are becoming increasingly sought after by employers and universities.  This subject can add an exciting and interesting dynamic to any higher education application that sets students apart from the majority.