Drama & Theatre Studies
A Level Drama & Theatre Studies offers you the opportunity to study many facets of theatre in a uniquely practical way. The course is written by AQA and is designed for students with a passion for theatre and performance. Much of the course is concerned with discovering how to transform words on the page into words on stage: the process of what happens to the drama text as a group of people get hold of it and begin to fashion a piece of live theatre from it.
We have an outstanding team of staff who are dedicated and driven to inspire you and develop your skills as an actor, director or designer and we push you to be the best that you can possibly be. We believe in your ability to interact creatively and professionally with like-minded students.
To get stared
A grade 4 or above in GSCE Drama or Performing Arts is desirable. This is a subject which requires a hands-on approach; indeed a large percentage of the final result is based on practical work, and you will be required to work closely with the rest of your group in problem-solving and communicating within a team.
The course requires a large commitment from you in terms of contribution both in and out of lessons. Regular theatre visits and practical work supplement the academic studies. The emphasis of the course is very much on putting theory into practice.
Exams and Assessment
AQA – 7262
Modules :
Component 1 – Drama and Theatre
What’s assessed:
Knowledge & understanding of drama & theatre
Study of two set plays, one chosen from List A, one chosen from List B
Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers
How it’s assessed : 3 hour written exam, open book, 40% and 80 marks.
Component 2 – Creating Original Drama
What’s assessed:
Process of creating devised drama
Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director)
Devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner
How it’s assessed: Working notebook (40 marks), Devised performance (20 marks) 60 marks in total.
Component 3 – Making Theatre
What’s assessed:
Practically explore and interpret three scripted extracts from a different play.
How it’s assessed:
Your performance of Extract 3 is marked out of 40.
A reflective report marked out of 20.
What Next?
The role of the Arts within society has grown significantly throughout the years. This course is an excellent foundation for a direct degree in acting. It also equips students for further education in various pathways relating to media, arts, communication, teaching and events management. The scope for development is vast as Drama propels students to develop excellent skills of communication, leadership and artistic creativity.
