GCSE Drama

Subject Leader -  Mr L Norton

Why study Drama?

GCSE Drama not only provides you with the opportunities to study acting and performing, but it also focuses on other areas of theatre and production such as: the history of theatre, set design, lighting, sound and performance evaluation. Pupils will have the opportunity to visit theatres and see professional companies at work, performing in plays of all varieties and genres.

On the course, you will have the opportunity to present two short productions as part of your final examination, including a scene from a published play and one which you will devise and write yourselves.

Written work is an integral part of the course. You will study one set play and answer a series of questions on this in a final written examination. You will also be required to evaluate your work and the work of others both in class and through written homework and coursework. The evaluation of live performance has been added to the specification and you will have ample opportunity to watch plays and respond to what you have seen both verbally and through written evaluation.

The course is an enjoyable and informative study of theatre and performance, and an excellent foundation for studies in A Level Drama or Performing Arts. It will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate a wide range of skills while developing the valuable qualities of self-discipline, personal confidence and teamwork, which are useful in all kinds of employment. Students with an interest in performance and those who have enjoyed their studies during  KS3 Drama will be best suited to this course.

If you want to find out more, join the GCSE Drama Showbie class to see the exam specification and examples of GCSE performances. The code is: KA26C. You can use this group to ask any questions you may have about the course structure or content. Alternatively, come and have a chat with Mr Norton or Miss Durdle who will happily answer any queries you may have. 

Exam Board

EDUQAS

Assessment

Component 1: Devising Theatre

40% of qualification

Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or theatrical genre.

Component 2: Performing from a Text

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner

20% of qualification

Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre.

Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

40% of qualification

Section A: Learners will answer  a series of questions on a set text, that they will have studied throughout the course.

Section B: Learners will write an evaluation of a live theatre production that they have seen.