Drama and Theatre A Level

A Level Drama and Theatre

This qualification emphasises practical creativity alongside theoretical understanding and research. 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.

Students choose to develop as a performer, designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets), or a combination of these.

Visits to the theatre are made throughout the course and students are expected to undertake a programme of wider reading. Year 12 students also enjoy a residential trip as part of the course.

40% Component 1:

Devising 

This is an original piece of work that uses one key extract from a text and a practitioner as stimuli.

Performance and design options are available.

The work is internally assessed and externally moderated.

The two parts to the assessment include a performance/design and a portfolio.

20% Component 2:

Text in Performance

This is externally examined and includes:

• One group performance/design realisation of a scripted extract
  
• One monologue or duologue or design realisation from an extract from a different text
  

40% Component 3:

Theatre Makers in Practice

This component is an external, written exam divided into three sections:

• Live Theatre Evaluation
  

Students answer one extended question, from a choice of two, requiring them to analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance they have seen in light of a given statement.

• Page to Stage: Realising a Performance Text
  

Students answer two extended response questions based on an unseen extract from the performance text they have studied.   

• Interpreting a Performance Text
  

Students will answer one extended response question from a choice of two based on an unseen named section from their chosen performance text. ns.

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. This MUST include:

• Mathematics Grade 4 AND

• English Language Grade 5 OR

• English Literature Grade 5 AND English Language Grade 4

Plus

A Grade 4 in GCSE Drama OR Expressive Arts OR equivalent demonstration of expertise is essential.

The specification requires students to develop, demonstrate and articulate practical and theoretical knowledge. Students will develop further understanding and experience of technical and performance skills and acquire a number of transferable skills. This course equips students with a variety of career pathways and is a great stepping stone for a career in the Performing Arts.

Opportunities to audition and be selected into High Storrs Drama Company are encouraged. The company performs in public and represents the very best of what is already a very highly talented student body. Students who have gained a qualification with this A Level have progressed taking a Degree or Diploma at prestigious Drama Schools and universities including RADA, Bristol Old Vic, Italia Conte, Mountview.