Aims

• To develop knowledge and understanding of elements of theatre, practitioners and playwrights.

• To explore different genres and styles of theatre and to develop acting and performance skills both spontaneous and improvised.

• To use these skills, knowledge and understanding to communicate well developed, believable characters to an audience and be able to write coherently about the characters and themes you have explored and performed.

Course Content

A fast paced, lively and challenging programme for anyone who is interested in the Dramatic Arts. You will work on a number of different styles of theatre including scripted drama, Theatre in Education and physical theatre, culminating in live performances. You will also write about the process of creating theatre for the stage.

Assessment Structure

Component 1 (40%): Written Paper (1 hour 45 mins, worth 80 marks) made up of 3 sections: 

A – Understanding drama and theatre.

B – Study of a scripted play.

C – Study of a live theatre production seen.

Candidates must answer Question 1 from Section A, 4 from Section B and 1 from Section C. Externally set and marked. 

Component 2 (40%): Devising Drama. Candidates are required to present a devising log and a devised performance; the unit is weighted at 60 marks for the log and 20 marks for the performance. 

Component 3 (20%): Practical performance of 2 extracts from a selected play; marked out of 40 in total.

You need to

• Have shown yourself to be committed and hardworking and have energy.

• Enjoy working in mixed groups, not just with your friends – it is a group subject!

• Enjoy being creative on your own and with other people.

• Expect to face problems and be able to overcome them.

• Be flexible, adaptable; and wish to build confidence.

• Attend regularly – poor attenders should not take up Drama – it is a group subject and therefore others rely on you. 

• Be willing to give up time after school when necessary.

• Know there will be opportunities to see live theatre and take part in workshops with theatre professionals to help you develop skills and experience. 

For further information, see Mrs Gale (Head of Creative Arts)