KS4

Course Content:

Component 1: Drama and Theatre (Written Exam: 40%)

You will learn the different job roles within the industry developing appreciation of what it entails to put in a production, the different stage types; advantages and challenges and stage positions. In addition they will study the set-text ‘Blood Brothers’ and analyse and evaluate a Live Theatre Production. It is split into three sections; Section A - multiple choice, Section B - four questions on the set text, Section C - one question from choice on a Live Theatre Performance.

Examined by an AQA visiting examiner.

Component 2: Creating Original Drama (Practical Exam: Internal: 40%)

• Recall and practically explore a variety of practitioners on a deeper level compared to their previous explorations in Year 9.

• Devise and perform a performance in the style of one your chosen working practitioners.

• In addition to the performance, you will be marked on an accompanying Devising Log of the process and artistic decisions made whilst creating and developing your performance. (Theory aspect)

The Non-examined assessment unit is internally assessed and externally moderated by the exam board.

DESIGNER ROUTE AVAILABLE

Component 3: Making Theatre (Practical: Visiting Examiner: 20%)

• Practically explore and interpret TWO extracts; from a professionally published stage play.

DESIGNER ROUTE AVAILABLE

Examined by AQA examiners

Extra-Rehearsals:

Students may need to stay after school, or use lunchtimes to continue focused rehearsals with a member of the department to ensure students are creating, rehearsing and polishing quality pieces.

Course Content:

The RSL course has two units that students are required to complete for certification. We offer this course as an option instead of opting for GCSE.

Performing Text: Classic Text Exploration:

Students will research the classic text to gain an understanding of the text in terms of social, cultural and historical context of its time and how the dialogue fits within the whole play. Reading the extract identifies the demands it has on the performer and how they will address these demands through practical exercises and influences from previous professional productions. Students will then analyse the language to form meaning in relation to narrative, character and current situation and they will begin to consider how they will stage this extract. Through explorative sessions students will complete character development and scripted exercises to aide the student to 'lift the text from the page.' Feedback will be given at varied milestone points from both teacher and peers.

In addition, students will write a description of their extract evidencing their understanding of the text, it's context and the use of language used by the playwright. Highlighting the demands, in written form, the text has on them as an actor and how the playwright communicates meaning. Additionally, in the coursework they will discuss how their character development techniques have aided them as an actor. Culminating in a written evaluation of the process and the final performance.

This same process is then complete for a SECOND extract but using a modern text. Students will explore, rehearse and perform TWO extracts.

External Unit

The exam board will provide teachers with an exam paper that sets out a series of practical performance tasks and written tasks that students will need to complete, in order to pass the course. Students will be supported by staff to understand the tasks but the main aim is that this is undertaken by students independently. Example practical tasks could be to create a performance based on a certain theme or issue. Theory work will accompany the practical to show students theoretical understanding of the work they are creating and the process they have undertaken.

Assessment will be evidenced through Pass, Merit and Distinction.

Extra-Rehearsals:

Students may need to stay after school, or use lunchtimes to continue focused rehearsals with a member of the department to ensure students are creating, rehearsing and polishing quality pieces.