Course Introduction

A-Level Drama and Theatre studies will challenge and stretch you, both physically and intellectually, but it will also be hugely fulfilling and rewarding - and fun. You will develop skills in collaboration, writing concisely and in detail, communication, analysis and research, in addition to experiencing the roles of actor, designer, director and theatre critic.

You will become more confident and secure in the creative process, and will be able to explore your own particular areas of interest.

Past Drama students have gone onto a huge variety of degree courses and careers; many find they excel due to the skills they have honed which give them confidence, and a breadth of experience.

We have a very strong record of Drama students going on to Russell Group Universities, Conservatoires, and Oxbridge. Drama students have gone to RADA and Bristol Old Vic to study a course in Acting and also in Production Arts.

Course Content and Methodology

The course consists of three components. One of these will be examined in Year 12; the others in Year 13. All components link, and the skills you explore and develop will complement each other.

As part of the course, students may visit the theatre throughout the year. Recent trips have included The Lovely Bones, Theatre Royal (Nottingham), Antony and Cleopatra, National Theatre (London), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Bridge Theatre (London). We also have access to the Dramaonlinelibrary, offering hundreds of filmed productions from the Globe, National, Young Vic, Donmar and Old Vic Theatres.

Assessment

Component 1:

Devising 9DR0/01

Coursework:

• 40% of A-Level
• 80 marks

You will devise an original piece of Drama, using one key extract from a text and one practitioner as a stimulus. You may act as performer or designer. Assessment is internal. Marks are awarded for your portfolio (60 marks) and the practical devising (20 marks).

Component 2:

Text In Performance 9DR0 /02

Coursework:

• 20% of A-Level
• 60 marks

You will perform or design for a monologue/duologue and a group piece, of two key extracts from two different performance texts. Assessment is external. Marks are awarded separately for the group piece (36 marks) and for the mono/duo (24 marks).

Component 3:

Theatre Makers in Practice 9DR0/03

Coursework:

• 40% of A-Level
• 80 marks

You will answer questions on:

Section A: One question on a live theatre production. You may bring in 500 words of notes.

Section B: Two questions on a set text, focusing on how this might be realised in performance. The extract is provided.

Section C: One question on a second set text, focusing on your own ideas for a production in the light of a practitioner. You may take in a copy of the text. The exam is marked externally. Marks are awarded as follows:

Section A: 20 marks Section B: 36 marks Section C: 24 marks.

Facilities