A Level Drama

This course is for those who have a background in drama or performing arts, either through the examinations they have already taken, or from an interest they have pursued in their own time. You do not need to have completed any formal training or have any previous Drama experience. All we ask is that you must be passionate about Drama, understand there is a requirement to perform to an audience and be open to working as part of a team. You need to be open minded and resilient, with a positive attitude towards learning new styles. We follow the Eduqas specification which, gives a good balance between the academic rigour required to follow the subject further into Higher Education, whilst allowing each student the freedom to develop their own skills as an actor.

You will study a range of dramatic practitioners and use this knowledge to interpret and perform at least 3 set texts and devise your own drama. The main focus is on Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud and Berkoff. This two year course allows you to study a post and pre-1956 set text, considering characters, rehearsal techniques, technical and design elements that leads to an exam, worth 40% at the end of Y13. Although this is a written exam the techniques for studying both plays are very practical.

In Y12 you will complete Component 1: Theatre Workshop which is internally assessed, externally moderated and worth 20% of the qualification. In this you will study a number of other set texts as starting points for creating your own piece of drama and evidence your progress through a creative log, culminating in a performance of your work to an audience.

In Y13 you will complete Components 2 and 3:

Component 2:

Text in Action which is externally assessed by a visiting examiner and is worth 40% of qualification. In this you will have the opportunity to perform a published script in the style of a practitioner and then devise your own piece of drama from a stimulus, set by the board, in a contrasting style to an audience.

Component 3:

Text in Performance

Sections A and B

Open book: Clean copies (no annotation) of the two complete texts chosen must be taken into the examination.

Two questions based on two different texts, one written pre 1956 and one post 1956.

Pre 1956 – Machinal, Sophie Treadwell

Post 1956 – Saved, Edward Bond

Section C

Closed book: The extract of text required for answering the questions will be printed on the examination paper. A question based on the specific extract from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens.

Details of the 10-15 minute extract will be released during the first week of March, in the year when the examination is due to be taken.

You will be taught in specialist facilities, including a black box theatre and extensive costume facilities.

Learning methods

You will learn through group work, lectures, practical work, workshops, theatre visits and research projects.

Additional entry requirements You are reminded that this is a course in which you will be expected to perform to a range of audiences. There is a requirement to engage in extra rehearsals and opportunities for extra-curricular performances.

You will have the opportunity to take part in the college musical production along with other enrichment opportunities, such as working with a professional theatre company in workshops.

As part of the course it is vital that you see live theatre. We will run trips out to the theatre alongside having access to a wide range of professional content through Digital Theatre and National Theatre online access.