Courses
Overview
Drama & Theatre Studies
Introduction
The course will allow students to develop their understanding of theatre and drama and inspire them to become independent theatre makers. This qualification emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays practically, devise and work on performances. They will develop themselves as actors, designers, and directors learning about how drama is created to communicate meaning.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
K Needham
Assessment
- Examination: 40%
- Non-examined assessment: 60% comprised of:
- 30% devised (20% written documentation and 10% performance, internally marked/externally moderated).
- 30% performance (20% performance and 10% written notes, externally examined).
Curriculum
Topics
- Component 1: two plays whereby your understanding of the production will be tested in a written exam. You will also evaluate a live performance.
- Component 2: you will learn about at least one drama practitioner and learn to perform in the style of this practitioner.
- Component 3: you will study three plays that you will explore practically and perform to a live audience.
In all of these components students will work as a director, performer and designer.
Skills and requirements
Key concepts
These concepts build cumulatively throughout the curriculum and will enable all students to become successful in drama.
Creating and performing
- Strategies, mediums, elements
- Teamwork
- Experimentation
- Creating
- Characterisation skills
- Awareness
Knowing drama
- Drama styles and genre
- Context
- Drama and theatre terminology
Understanding drama
- React, research, respond and reflect
- Interpreting drama
- Making judgements and forming opinions
Subject entry requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE English language or literature
- Grade 5 in GCSE drama (students who have not studied GCSE drama but who do have some experience of performing to an audience may be eligible)
Sixth Form entry requirements
- 4 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 or more grade 7s or above including English and maths (grade 5 or above).
- 3 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 grade 5s or above including English and maths.
- Level 3 vocational courses: for students who have achieved 5 grade 4s or above including English and maths.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
This course develops skills that are attractive to employers and universities in many areas. Some of these include: journalism, media and television, theatre production, acting, law and business and sales.
