Drama

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” - Oscar Wilde

Why choose Drama?

Studying Drama will offer you the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics creatively and reflectively. This subject is for students who love being creative (performers, artists, storytellers, musicians, dancers, designers) and who are keen to explore new concepts in thoughtful and original ways. This is the start of a creative path which will enhance the collaborative skills you will require throughout your working life.

GCSE Drama will complement a wide range of subject choices. There are opportunities to make links with: History and English when exploring plays; Art, Music and PE when devising and performing theatre; Design Technology for students who are interested in set design.

Choosing Drama will also provide you with a chance to experience theatre, both through attending a live performance and through access to digital recordings of performances. Within our school community we already have strong links with the English National Opera that reflects how the arts are changing in their accessibility for the next generation of artists. It is an exciting time to start that path through GCSE Drama.

Welcome to GCSE Drama

Lead Teacher - Miss J Hatherley

No matter what your ambition is, the skills that you will develop in Drama will help you to succeed in work, study and life.


Drama builds confidence and presentation skills which will help you to communicate your ideas effectively in any situation. You will discover the importance of teamwork during group performances and you will learn how to listen to other team members and take on board each other's opinions and ideas. Developing creativity is another valuable aspect of Drama which could apply to jobs requiring specific artistic or design skills, or to using your imagination to come up with a creative solution to a business challenge. You will also learn the importance of close attention to detail. This will allow you to monitor and check work, information or plans, and carry out thorough research.

Students can go on to study this subject at 'A' Level and Degree level. Russell Group universities offer single and joint Honours degrees encapsulating the arts. Alongside this , music and drama conservatoires provide vocational training in performance and technical fields with students graduating to work in film, theatre, television and radio. There are further opportunities to study within organisations such as the Donmar Warehouse and Royal Court with a range of exciting apprenticeship schemes available.

Exam Board : AQA

Qualifiaction Type: GCSE

Assessment : 1 written exam and 3 separate marked performances

Exam Length :

Written Exam - 105 min (40%)

Devised performance and written log - (40%)

Performance Piece - (20%)

What would help?

Anyone can choose this course, however you may find it easier to access if you are someone who loves to explore performance, whether it is your own or watching someone else perform. Ideally you will be confident in communicating with others, but if not we can always help you to improve!

Course Content

Component 1: Understanding Drama (40%)

Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre through the study of a one-set play, chosen from a selection of prescribed texts. Students critically evaluate a live theatre performance concentrating on the performance and design aspects of the production.


Component 2: Devising Drama (40%)

Students create an original piece of drama in response to teacher-led stimuli. This could be visual artefacts, poetry, music, film or fact/documentary based. An arts practitioner is explored and their techniques are applied to the structure and content of the final work.


Component 3: Texts in Practice (20%)

Students will perform/design two extracts from a contrasting play to the set play. This could take the form of duologues or monologues and is a practical and interpretative opportunity.

“Drama brings out the best in you. It provides you with the skills and confidence to do anything!” - Y11 student

Methods of Study

The lessons have a practical focus and you will work in small groups exploring a theme, text, style of performance for the devised work and the set play will be explored practically and theoretically. A Devising Log is completed during rehearsals to demonstrate an understanding of how a piece of Drama is created. The written exam preparation focuses on evaluating a live theatre performance and your critical understanding of the set play.

“GCSE Drama is extremely fun. The environment is amazing and you have the freedom to work on areas/topics that you enjoy” - Y10 student

Assessment

Method of assessment:

  • Component 1 - Public examination (80 marks)

  • Component 2 - Devised Performance: practical (20 marks)

- Devising Log: extended essay (60 marks)

Assessment is internally marked and externally moderated.

  • Component 3 - Performance to public audience and examiner (40 marks)

Here are some examples of GCSE Drama work produced by our students this year...

Useful Links


  • Why not check out the National Theatre it is right on our doorstep, and an inspiring place to visit