Examination Board: AQA

Unit 1: Drama and Theatre:

In this unit, you will be required to study two set texts: one representing Drama Through the Ages and another to represent 20th and 21st Century Drama. Assessment for this unit will be a 3 hour open book examination exploring both of the set texts as well as analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers.

Unit 2: Creating Original Drama:

This unit will assess the process of creating devised drama as well as its performance to a live audience. The devised work must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner and is marked by your drama teachers and moderated by an external AQA examiner.

For this unit, three extracts from a range of plays are studied and workshopped. One is then chosen, either a monologue, duologue or group scene, and performed. This practical examination is marked by an external examiner.

Assessment:

Unit One: 40% – Study of two set texts and critical response to live theatre

Unit Two: 30% – Devised performance and working notebook

Unit Three: 30% – Performance of an extract and reflective report

Entry Requirements:

You need to have achieved at least a grade 5 in GCSE Drama or have a proven track record in performance. It is important that you are interested in gaining a greater understanding of how theatre and plays work, and that you are keen to be involved with performances either as an actor or designer. Remember there are a number of theatre trips, usually taking place outside of school. hours, that you will be expected to participate in.

What will you study?

The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or design role. You will also be required to write about drama and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic.

What kinds of students are most suited to this course?

You need to be curious about issues and ideas and have a creative instinct for communicating your views through drama. You may be keen on acting, writing or on the visual and technical side of theatre and wish to develop your skills in some or all of these areas. Equally, you will be interested in going to the theatre to see plays performed by innovative and exciting theatre companies.

What other courses often combine successfully with this?

English, Art, Textiles, Music, Media and almost any other subject. Past students have successfully combined Drama with Sciences, Languages and Humanities.