Drama

The subject content details the knowledge, understanding and skills that students are expected to develop throughout the course of study.

The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components:

1. Understanding drama

2. Devising drama

3. Texts in practice

Guidance is also provided on the theatrical skills students will need to work on.

In the practical components students may specialise in performing.

Component 1: Understanding drama

What’s assessed

• Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre

• Study of one set play from a choice of six

• Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers

How it’s assessed

• Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes

• Open book • 80 marks • 40% of GCSE

Questions

• Section A: multiple choice (4 marks)

• Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (46 marks)

• Section C: one two part question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (30 marks).

Component 2: Devising drama (practical)

What’s assessed

• Process of creating devised drama

• Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)

• Analysis and evaluation of own work

How it’s assessed

• Devising log (60 marks)

• Devised performance (20 marks)

• 80 marks in total • 40% of GCSE

This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA

Component 3: Texts in practice (practical)

What’s assessed

• Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer)

• Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1

How it’s assessed

• Performance of Extract 1 (25 marks) and Extract 2 (25 marks)

• 50 marks in total 20% of GCSE

• This component is marked by AQA.

Drama is a highly creative subject, you will need to have a powerful imagination and a love for exploring new ideas and taking risks through performance and design...

You don’t just have to be an aspiring actor to study Drama at DCHS - you can also be examined as a set designer, lighting or sound designer, costume designer, make-up artist or even a puppeteer!

 With lots of opportunity for physical activity, Drama is ideal if you prefer not to be sitting down quietly during your lessons. There are games, group exercises and lots of noise - no two lessons are the same. You have a huge amount of control over your own journey through the GCSE course and it can be completely tailored to your own strengths and interests. Please get in touch for more info on this.

I look forward to seeing you in the Drama studio soon!

Recent government figures reveal the economic value of visual and performing arts is outperforming the rest of the economy. The combined value to the economy of visual and performing arts including theatre, opera and music has risen nearly 18 per cent on its pre-pandemic level. These industries generate £108 billion a year. Employ over 2.3 million people in every corner of the country. And there is a real sense of energy in the sector, which has grown at more than 1.5 times the rate of the wider economy over the past decade- so there is plenty of opportunity for future progression!

By combining performance aspects of the course with design elements such as lighting/sound or make-up artistry you are building a strong and diverse creative skill set that will make you very attractive to both Universities and future employers.

And even if you just want to take GCSE Drama for fun you will certainly build your wider skills in teamwork, presentation and planning. As a bonus, the confidence you develop is yours to take with you for the rest of your life!