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Drama and Theatre

A Level

WELCOME TO DRAMA @ QMC

CAREERS IN DRAMA & THEATRE

5 reasons to study creative subjects:

1. The arts create independent learners and develop students emotional intelligence. They require the students to set their own agenda from within themselves, rather than follow set topics as in other subjects. They have to make independent decisions all the way, and be self-critical. They also need to be brave in exposing their creations, and accept criticism. Working in teams makes students into effective communicators.

2. The arts are stretching drama, music, and art require long hours of hard work and dedication. Students have to pay great attention to detail, to perfect and re-do. Putting on a play, exhibition or concert takes strong organisational skills.

3. Arts students are highly sought-after by employers. Many employers now actively seek those who have studied the arts. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was fond of saying his success was due to his hiring artists and musicians fascinated by technology rather than computer geeks. Top talent management agency, The Curve Group, specialising in financial and business services, concurs: “Employees with an arts degree have developed more quickly in their roles from the start. They have discipline, confidence and can accept criticism.”

4. Arts ‘reach the parts other subjects can’t reach.’ The arts develop the broader dimensions of the human being – mind, body and soul. The arts can express the inexpressible and make sense of things that otherwise do not seem to. This can be very fulfilling and helps us function as human beings – which can only be good for society as a whole.

5. Arts ‘reach the students other subjects can’t reach.’ Teachers find arts subjects particularly beneficial for two groups: those who struggle with traditional subjects and those who are high achieving. Less academic students can become defeatist if they feel they can’t achieve: drama, music or art can be the place they blossom. With studious students, the arts can bring them out of themselves and be a release.

Open day video.mp4

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What have our students gone on to after QMC?

Course description

Why take the drama and theatre A level at qmc?

Outstanding teaching, where you can develop your skills through performances and exploring a range of practitioner styles.
Professional theatre workshops.
A wide range of exciting theatre trips.
Exceptional audition preparation and advice.
Creating original performances in a professional theatre.
The chance to take part in the National Theatre Connections competition.
Academic workshops to stretch your written capabilities.
You are pushed to create imaginative and unique pieces of theatre that challenges society's preconceived ideas.
Dedicated and enthusiastic teachers.

Our 2020 theatre showcase

FAQs – Drama (A Level)

Q: Can I take A Level Drama if I have never studied it at school for GCSE?

A: Yes you can! We have lots of students who did not have the opportunity to study GCSE Drama at school who come on to study A Level Drama. We will teach you everything you need to know to be successful on the course. You will develop practical and theoretical skills that will enable you to explore Drama in its widest sense as an actor, director and designer. You will also have the chance to visit the theatre regularly and take part in workshops with professional performers and companies.

Q: Can I only go on to study Drama at University if I have taken A Level Drama?

A: No, you can of course go on to study Drama/ Performing Arts at University. However, the employability and transferable skills you develop on the course, ranging from problem solving, critical thinking, communicating, presentation, working collaboratively, self-management, negotiating, learning independently and active research skills will enable you to progress on to a wide range of degrees at University and/or future careers. For example, previous students have progressed on to study Law and Paramedicine, as well as progressing onto drama school and careers in the acting industry.

Q: How will I be assessed?

A: There are three components to study:

One is based on devising, where you perform a devised piece of theatre and write some coursework based on the devising process (40%)

The second one is where you perform either a monologue or duologue and then you also perform a group extract from a play directed by your teacher to an examiner who comes in and watches your performance. (20%)

The final component is where you have a written exam and write in three sections (40%)
- - - Section1: you write a theatre review from the point of view of a critic.
    - Section 2: you answer two questions on one set text from the point of view of an actor and a designer.
    - Section 3: you answer a question on the second set text from the point of view of a director.

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