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GCSE Exam Board: AQA (8261) Who to Speak to: Mrs. Warner
Why Should I Study Drama?
Why Should I Study Drama?
Drama is an intellectual, practical and artistic subject. It is therefore simultaneously stimulating, demanding and extremely enjoyable. Success at GCSE level in Drama provides a foundation for any future career. Learning through GCSE Drama enables students to be aware of issues and matters relating to their own lives. Students develop important skills such as teamwork, creativity, communication and critical evaluation skills. These are all skills any university or future employer would both value and desire in a person.
What qualities will I need to be successful in Drama?
What qualities will I need to be successful in Drama?
Drama GCSE is a holistic subject that rewards creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of theatre. By developing these skills and consistently putting in the effort, you can achieve success. Particular points to note:
Embrace Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your work.
Time Management: Manage your time effectively to balance rehearsals, coursework, and exam preparation.
Passion and Enthusiasm: A genuine love for drama will fuel your motivation and creativity.
What will I study over 2 years?
What will I study over 2 years?
Students will study a set text, where they will learn largely through rehearsing and performing key scenes and will develop an awareness of the use of space, staging, costume, lighting and sound. Students will devise a piece of drama in a given style and on a given stimulus and then perform and evaluate their work, both verbally and in written format. They will evaluate a live theatre performance and perform two key scenes from a given play.
How will I be assessed in Drama?
How will I be assessed in Drama?
Component 1:
40% Drama written paper - This is a 1 hour 45-minute exam sat at the end of the course. The exam paper is broken into three sections:
Four multiple choice questions demonstrating knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre, for example stage layout and theatre roles and responsibilities (5% of component 1
Four extended questions on a set text (Blood Brothers by Willy Russell), which would have been studied in detail in both practical and written formats throughout the course (55% of component 1)
Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers – a theatre review (for example performances such as Frankenstein, Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual or Thirsty) (40% of component 1).
Component 2:
10% Devised piece of theatre - Performance of a piece of drama devised by students
30% Devising log – Written log in which students detail both the process of devising their drama for Component 2, analyse and then evaluate their work.
Component 3:
20% Scripted performance - Performance of two extracts from one play (for example The Play that goes Wrong, Woman in Black, Antigone, Bouncers). Performances will last 8-12 minutes.
Possible Further Education and Career Pathways Options
Possible Further Education and Career Pathways Options
Further Education - A Level Drama or Performing Arts, Apprenticeship, Degree
Career pathways include – Actor, Arts Therapist, Camera Prep Technician, Creative Industries Production Technician, Event Assistant, Junior Animator, Junior Production Coordinator, Junior Visual Effects Artist, Assistant Technical Director, Post Production Engineer
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