GCSE drama

Drama

Edexcel GCSE Drama (1DR0)

The aims and objectives of the GCSE Drama course is to enable learners to:

1. To provide you with a practical understanding of the drama art form.

2. To allow you to explore ideas and issues through performance and design, as an individual and as part of a group.

3. To develop your critical awareness of the world we live in.

Drama at Pinner High School gives students the opportunity to contribute to and feel part of a community, keeping the ethos of creativity and collaboration at the centre of all that we do.

What will the course look like?

Component 1: Devising:

• Create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus.

• Students will complete a performance of this devised piece, or design realisation for a performance group (15 marks).

• Students will analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance/design element through a written portfolio (45 marks).

• Students will be assessed by the Drama Department, with moderation from the examining board.

• This component is worth 40% of the GCSE.

Component 2: Performance from Text:

• Create and develop a performance/design concept of two key extracts from a performance text.

• Students will perform both extracts as either an individual or part of a group (monologue, duologue, group options).

• Students will be assessed by an external examiner.

• This component is worth 20% of the GCSE.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice:

• Final written exam completed during 'exam season' of Year 11 (end of course).

• Exam is split into two sections: Section A (study of performance text) and Section B (live theatre evaluation).

• Section A: practical exploration and study of one complete performance text, chosen from a list of eight.

• Section B: analysis and evaluation of one piece of live theatre, visited during course at a professional venue of choice.

• This component is worth 40% of the GCSE.

Why should I take Drama?

GCSE Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course. The course promotes involvement in and enjoyment of Drama, as performers and/or as designers. Learners will have the opportunity to collaborate and create devised work, as well as studying and performing scripts. Additionally, the course provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members. Unlike many of your other GCSEs, Drama provides a practical outlet for you to let off steam, spend time with your peers and work independently and creatively. The course requirements are broad and are designed with critical thinking are the core, meaning we tailor the assessments, content, and trips to your strengths and areas of interest.

What skills can it give me?

A recent report by The Cultural Learning Alliance (2017) found that studying Drama can improve students’ creativity and risk taking; skills that are highly valuable in later life. It was also said that cultural learning has a significant part to play in addressing social inequality, and showed a marked increase in students cognitive abilities across all subjects. Students should choose GCSE Drama if they are interested in pursuing a career in the arts, or any other paths related to public speaking and problem solving. This could be as an actor, manager, performer or presenter, or even as a writer, or a director. There are also many exciting production and design careers as well, such as; lighting and sound design and operation, set design, sostume design and make up design. Drama can also lead to careers in theatre management, event management or arts administration.

Drama can help students develop valuable life skills, such as public speaking, communication, collaboration and self - confidence. The skills developed in Drama are transferrable and incredibly important to many professions, including; lawyers, social workers and teachers.

What about the EBacc?

In a world where almost all students are being directed toward a singular route, what is going to make you stand out from the crowd? A recent study that gained data from various Russel Group Universities concluded that drama, and other arts subjects, are preferred at GCSE and A Level to support the character development of the whole student. Even with keeping the EBacc in mind, drama lends itself to the development of skills found in English, History, Languages, relating to comprehension, literacy and oracy development, analysis, evaluation of key themes, texts, concepts and historical events and figures, expanding your understanding of social, political and historical contexts and many more! We encourage our students to bring any of their expertise to the table and showcase them in a welcoming environment where their artistry is valued woven into their academic study. GCSE Drama's Progress 8 Score was above the school's average in the last academic year, showing a positive trend of success for each cohort. Could you be the next contributor to our success?

Trips and Performances

Students at Pinner High School enjoy regular theatre visits as part of the GCSE and A Level course. For those who may be interested in a career in theatre, we provide specialist visits and the opportunity to work with industry professionals.

As the school grows, so does our alumni network offering our younger students exciting opportunities to be taught by, workshop with or watch performances by our more senior and ex-students. We work closely with theatre companies to provide in school sessions to support the academic, professional and emotional development of our students through the medium of Drama.

When it comes to performances, students are invited to perform in one of two studio spaces with access to lighting, sound and stage equipment. Keeping in mind the value of collaboration, the drama department works with our other arts subjects to produce costume, set and props for our productions hosted on our main stage in the school's assembly hall.

"I love how Drama gives you the chance to express your feelings and it is engaging."

Bailey Sanders - Year 7

"I greatly respect and admire Pinner High School's Drama department and owe them a lot for enhancing my social skills and confidence."

Caitlin Turner - Year 12

"I enjoyed being in the theatre and seeing a professional production. The best part was seeing the live music. I felt excited and inspired."

Yusif Al-Hashimi - Year 11

"Pinner gives us freedom and independence. We go on trips where we get to shop in Covent Garden which made me feel like I am trusted by my teachers."

Mya Sanghera - Year 11

"The Mary Poppins trip was so interactive, and being able to work with real actors at Pineapple Dance Studios before the show made me feel intrigued and excited about the theatre world. We watched them on stage performing the dances they just taught us!"

Kaiya Desai - Year 11

"I like being able to perform in front of other people."

Esther Galbraith - Year 7

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