Drama and Theatre Studies continues to be a very popular subject. The course provides a balance across a range of learning activities. The course combines the activities of exploring plays, the performing of plays, creating plays, the analysis of theatre and the critical evaluation of all these elements. Students studying Drama will have a thorough understanding of drama and theatre, highly developed analytical and creative skills and an ability to communicate effectively with others.
Year 9
Every student in Year 9 follows courses which are tailored to the criteria set by the National Curriculum and the Arts Council.
The core curriculum course allows the students to explore a range of social, historical and cultural issues through the medium of drama. They will be required to utilize a range of skills, acting, directing, problem solving and team building. They also have the opportunity to evaluate their work and the work of others in a range of formats.
Year 10 and 11
| Course | GCSE Drama |
| Exam Board/Syllabus | Edexcel 1DR0 |
| Grade Equivalences | 9 to 1 |
| Assessment Route | Mixture of practical and written assessment throughout the course (60%). Written Exam (40%) – see below |
Who should choose this subject?
- Students who are interested in performing themselves and watching professional actors performing plays at the theatre.
- Students who want the opportunity to develop social and communication skills and to learn about the art of performance.
- Students who are committed to working closely with others and using their creative ideas.
- Students who can communicate their practical ideas through written coursework.
What will be studied?
Students will have opportunities to develop:
- Creative and imaginative powers and practical skills for communicating and expressing ideas, feelings and meanings in drama.
- Investigative, analytical, experimental and interpretative capabilities, aesthetic understanding and critical skills.
- Understanding of drama forms and awareness of contexts in which they operate.
- Knowledge and understanding of drama within a social, cultural and historical context.
- Communication of a range of drama forms through written coursework.
- Trips and Workshops
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Visits to live Theatre performances
- Research visits to support component 2.
- Take part in workshops with professional actors
- Participate in the whole school show.
- Participate in public exam showcases to parents.
Assessments
There are three components.
Component 1: Devising (Component code: 1DR0/01)
Content overview
- Create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus.
- Performance of this devised piece or design realisation for this performance.
- Analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance.
- Performer or designer routes available.
(Internally assessed and externally moderated, coursework 40%, 60 marks)
Component 2: Performance from Text (Component code: 1DR0/02)
Content overview
- Students will either perform in and/or design for two key extracts from a performance text. (Choice of performance text and performer or designer routes available).
(Externally assessed by visiting examiner, coursework 20%, 48 marks)
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (Component code: 1DR0/03)
Content overview
- Practical exploration and study of one complete performance text (choice of eight performance texts).
- Live theatre evaluation.
(Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40%, 60 marks)
Admissions
Ethos & Aims
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