Why should I study A Level Drama and Theatre?

This course is a dynamic exploration of theatre and performance work. It is highly practical in its ethos, and allows for the development of the student’s ability to work both individually and as part of a group.

Assessment is carried out in a variety of ways, from traditionally written exam to performance of scripted work, from the collaborative creation of a devised piece to the use of notebooks and written portfolios.

The course plays to a range of strengths, both practical and academic.

 

Studying this subject will enable you to:

• Develop and apply an informed, analytical framework for making, performing, interpreting and understanding drama and theatre.
• Develop and demonstrate a range of theatre-making skills  and understand the practices used in 21st-century theatre making.
• Participate as a theatre maker and as an audience member in live theatre.
• Understand and experience the collaborative relationship between various roles within theatre.
• Develop the creativity and independence to become effective theatre makers.
• Analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.

 

Course Specification

During the two years of this course, students will work in both a practical and a more traditionally academic style. They will study and perform at least five texts, using extracts from two of them for their externally-assessed, practical exam.

They will also learn about the context of the plays they are studying with a look at theatre  history, and will be given the opportunity to explore the work of two theatre practitioners.

Their devised performance will take one of the texts studied as a stimulus, and the theories of one of the practitioners will be explored within the rehearsal and  performance of their final piece. They will be assessed for both the performance and a 3,000 word portfolio which evaluates the process, and their contribution to it.

The written exam will require students to have a practical understanding of two further play-texts, and these will be explored from the perspective of director and designer, as well as actor. In addition, visits to live theatre performances are a compulsory part of this course, and Live Theatre evaluation is also assessed in the written paper.

This is not a course for clock watchers, as group rehearsals form a large part of the homework load.

Examining Board Information

Board: 9DR0

Course Code: 7127

Click the image on the right to download the full course specification. 

Widening Horizons

TBA - and photos to be updated.

 

Assessment Format

Component 1:  Devising

This is a non-examination assessment that comprises  a devised performance and a written portfolio.  This component  is worth 40% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Component 2: Text in Performance

This is a non-examination assessment that comprises TBA.  This component  is worth 20% of the overall marks for this qualification

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice

Written exam (2hrs 30mins) that comprises extended response questions based on exploration of two set texts writing as an actor, director and designer, and an evaluation of live theatre.  This paper is worth 40% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

This course requires a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Drama or equivalent plus a Grade 4 or above in GCSE English.

Students without GCSE Drama will need to prove an active interest in the Performing Arts.

Employability Skills

Employability Skills are essential skills, personal qualities and values that will enable you to thrive in any workplace. Along with good technical understanding and subject knowledge, employers often outline a set of skills that they want from an employee.

This course will help you to develop the following employability skills:

• Analytical skills/technical skills
• Critical reasoning
• Emotional intelligence (including self-awareness, confidence, motivation)
• Interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
• Leadership skills
• Teamwork skills

 

Next Steps

Students can go on to higher education at university or college, drama school, teacher training.

The course is relevant for careers in theatre as performers, designers, administrators, managers and in educational theatre, such as drama therapy, social work, teaching, work in local or national arts provision, arts administration, film, television and radio.

 

10 Possible Careers

• Actor
• Arts Administration
• Choreographer
• Director
• Drama Teacher / Education
• Lighting / Sound Technician
• Media
• Playwright
• Screenwriter
• Voiceover Artist

Student Profile: Matthew

Matthew's subjects

A Level Drama & Theatre

A Level Film Studies

A Level History

Debating

I chose Film Studies because I want to go on to a career in filmmaking, specifically in directing and/or screenwriting. I decided to stay on at Warlingham partly because it was very familiar to me and partly because my sister had been to the College, so I knew it was good.