Edexcel A Level
Why study Drama and Theatre?
If you choose A Level Drama and Theatre, you are someone who:
- Enjoys working creatively in a team with other students
- Is very imaginative and adventurous when it comes to learning and using new drama skills
- Is keen to explore their own ideas on how to direct plays from Ancient Greece to contemporary practitioners.
- Appreciates the importance of acting, lighting, costume, sound and space in performance
- Wants to improve their own confidence when performing before an audience
What will I study?
The subject content for A-level Drama and Theatre is divided into three components:
Component 1: Devising
- 40% of the qualification
- Devise an original performance piece using a key extract from text & theatre as stimuli
- Two parts include a portfolio (written or verbal) and the performance.
Component 2: Text in Performance
- 20% of the qualification
- A group performance of one key extract from a performance text.
- A monologue or duologue performance from one key extract from a different performance text.
Component 3: Theatre makers in Practice
- 40% of the qualification
- 2.5-hour examination
- An evaluation of live theatre piece.
- Practical exploration & study of a complete performance text
- Practical exploration & interpretation of another complete performance text, in light of a chosen theatre practitioner
How will I study?
As with many subjects we have discussions, make notes, write up the notes, use the library to research, offer presentations - but we are different in our insistence on practical work to generate ideas and energy, movement and blocking, directing scenes and visiting out of school performances and workshops to enhance and develop your skills and experience. A really successful student reads plays and books about the theatre in addition to any text set by the teacher as well as being part of a department that will create and present performances both within and outside of school.
How will my work be assessed?
Component 1 is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Component 2 is externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
Component 3 is assessed through a written examination.
What are the entry requirements?
Drama GCSE Grade 6 or above