Course Summary

GCSE Drama is an inspiring and varied course, which balances academic study of genres, plays and practitioners with challenging and exciting practical workshops and performances.

Students will study a range of established and contemporary practitioners, from Brecht to Frantic Assembly, linking these styles to texts from different writers and eras, such as Berkoff’s Metamorphosis or Dennis Kelly’s DNA. Practical tasks will build performance and technical ability while enhancing essential transferable skills such as, team work, confidence, independence and resilience. The academic side of the course will require students to analyse and evaluate performance work, plays and the creative process. Students who have a passion for improving their drama skills and writing about drama are encouraged to join #TeamDrama.

Course Assessment

  • Component 1 (devised): Students will work in small groups to devise a piece of original drama. You will respond to a given stimuli then be supported to create a challenging and contemporary piece of theatre. Your performance represents 10% of your overall GCSE with 30% based on a written portfolio which documents your process. Assessed by your teacher.

  • Component 2 (scripted): You will work in a small group to present extracts from a published play. Your extracts might be group pieces but can also include monologues and duologues. 20% of your GCSE, assessed by a visiting examiner.

  • Component 3 (written exam): As part of the course you will study a set text and go to see a piece of live theatre. In this written exam you will answer questions on the set text to suggest how you might stage it and prepare actor to perform. In a separate section you will evaluate the theatre production you went to see. 40% of your GCSE.

Career Pathway

Drama is a highly respected course amongst employers, colleges and universities. It provides evidence of independent learning, project management, confidence, communication skills, analytical skills and creativity. In a world where the jobs we know today might not exist in ten years, creativity and people skills are increasingly in demand. Careers in management, sales, social work, law and public service require the skills we foster in drama.

Staff Contact

  • Mr Wilson - Head of Department, please click here to send an email.

  • Mrs Walker - Head of Department, please click here to send an email.