Drama

Drama

Head of Drama:  Mrs A Birkett

Qualification Level and Examination Board: Level 1 and 2  AQA GCSE Drama (8261) 

How is the course assessed?

Component 1: Understanding Drama (A written paper based on a text) 40% of GCSE

Component 2: Devising Drama (Practical and performance) 40% of GCSE

Component 3: Performance from a text (Practical and performance) 20% of GCSE

The written exam paper is designed to help all students realise their full potential. There are a variety of question styles that ask students to combine what they have learned about how drama is performed with their practical experience and imagination.

What is the content of the course?

The AQA specification engages and encourages students to become confident performers and designers with the skills they need for a bright and successful future. As performance is paramount, AQA have built in as many opportunities as possible for students to do what they like best – participate in performance. All students devise drama. All students explore texts practically and work on two text-based performances. Students can choose to develop as a:

• Performer 

• Designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)

• Performer and designer.

Whichever option they choose, students can be sure to gather many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand their horizons.

What could I study Post-16?

• A Level Drama

• Level 2 or 3 Performing Arts

• Theatre Studies, Film Studies or Arts Administration at university.

What possible careers could I have?

This qualification is excellent preparation for a career on stage or screen. In addition, the caring/service professions, such as nursing, teaching and police force, also favour it as it encourages the ability to empathise with others. In addition drama could lead to a career in technical areas such as lighting and sound technician or working in the arts as an administrator, presenter, teacher, workshop leader or production assistant. 

Additional information

A keen interest in the various aspects of drama, theatre and language are essential, and a commitment to extra-curricular productions is a strong advantage.