A-Level

Drama and Theatre Studies

'Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasise about a world we aspire to.'

Willem Dafoe

Course Details

Award: A-Level

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: 7262

Specification Website: Drama and Theatre Studies

Institution: Westside/Bayside

Entry Requirements

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Course Introduction

This course approaches Drama from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. Candidates will be expected to explore Drama and Theatre in a workshop setting. They should also be prepared to share their work with each other on a regular basis and to perform to an audience on occasions. Over the two-year course, students will explore technical aspects of Drama, learn about performance styles and genres, analyse live performances and study set plays. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own performance works.

Are you suitable for this course?

This course is suitable for any student wishing to further their studies in Drama. It builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding that are covered in the GCSE Drama course; however, entry will not be restricted to those students who have attained this qualification. For those students who wish to study Drama or Theatre at degree level, this course will provide them with a solid grounding in theoretical and practical aspects of these disciplines. You are also suitable for this course is you have an avid interest in performing and the theatre which you are keen to pursue further.

What qualifications are needed to study this subject?

You must have attained a minimum of a grade 4 for GCSE English Language to study Drama and Theatre Studies at A Level. While it is also highly recommended for students to have passed GCSE Drama with at least a grade 4, it is not a requirement for entry into the course. Much of the theory and practical work covered at GCSE forms the basis of the content of AS and A Level; therefore, students who do not have this qualification will need to work very hard to catch up on their skills, knowledge and understanding.

What will be expected from you on this course?

Group work will be balanced with individual study on this course. Consequently, students should be committed to their studies and have an excellent attendance record, particularly because their peers will be reliant upon them. You will be expected to be responsible, disciplined and organised in your approach.

What will you get out of this course?

Quite apart from the qualification that can be obtained at the end of this course, A Level Drama and Theatre Studies will develop key social skills such as communication, cooperation, empathy, motivation, leadership and organisation that will be vital in any career in which teamwork is important. Individual self-esteem will also be developed, as the candidates will have numerous opportunities to perform in front of an audience.

Year 12

- Skills workshops
- Exploration of different theatre styles and practitioners
- Revision of technical terms and critical analysis of live theatre
- Drama through the Ages: Study of a set text
- Practical exploration of 3 extracts
- Assessment of Extract 3 in the style of a chosen practitioner (Component 3)
- Accompanying portfolio for Component 3

Year 13

Complete portfolio for Component 3
20th and 21st Century Drama: Study of a set text
Response to Live Productions
Student devised piece in the style of a chosen practitioner (Component 2)
Reflective report for Component 2
Exam Preparation

Assessment

Component 1: Drama and Theatre

40% of A Level
One 3-hour exam
This is an open book exam.

Candidates study 2 different set plays as well as learning how to respond to live theatre. This component will develop their analytical skills and technical understanding of the art form. They are required to study a range of different styles of theatre and will learn how performers, directors and designers communicate meaning to an audience through detailed consideration of how aspects of the presentation contribute to the total effect of the production seen. The written exam is divided into 3 sections; the first two are each focused on one of the set texts. The third section will involve a question in which candidates need to discuss a play that they have watched in performance.

Component 2: Creating Original Drama

30% of A Level
Practical performance worth 10% of final grade.
Working notebook documenting process of devising drama worth 20% of final grade.
This unit is marked by teachers and moderated by the examination board.

Candidates are required to work in groups to produce of piece of theatre that is influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner. Candidates are responsible for all aspects of the presented extract, which should realise clear dramatic intentions for the audience. They will keep a working notebook during the process which will account for two thirds of the marks for this component.

Component 3: Making Theatre

30% of A Level
Performance of extract (worth 20% of final mark)
Written report (worth 10% of final mark)

In this unit, candidates will explore three extracts from three different published plays from a practical perspective. They will write a reflective report analysing and evaluating their interpretation of all three extracts. Only the third extract will be prepared for a performance which will be marked by the examination board. This extract requires candidates to apply the methodology of a prescribe practitioner to their work.

Future Careers

Actor

Stage director/ productions

Playwright

Teaching

Stage crew

Stage designer

Theatre: lighting and sound

Dramatherapy

Subject Taster Presentation

A LEVEL DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES

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