A Level - Drama

Course Summary

Subject: Drama & Theatre Studies

Course Title: A Level - Drama

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Course Description

Drama A level demands practical, creative, reflective and communication skills. Students will extend their ability to create drama and theatre in a performance role. They will also be required to write about drama and to develop their analysis skills. The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays and playwrights.

Students will study two challenging and exciting set plays and practically explore three others, performing extracts from each, informed by the work of a choice of theatre practitioner such as Brecht, Frantic Assembly and Artaud. Students will also experience the creative process when crafting their own devised performance; exploring their individuality as a performer and grow their team work skills. To enrich their study of the subject even further, students will see a range of inspirational live productions and learn how to review them.

Drama A level not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for exams, but also allows for an enriching, challenging and creative experience. Assessment is via a written examination (40%), coursework (30%) and a performance examination (30%):

Component 1: 3 hours written exam 40%

Study of two texts: one text from ‘Drama through the ages’ and the other text from ‘20^th or 21^st Century’. This section or the examination is completed “open book”. The written exam also includes a live review question, students will answer this using a live production they see over the course.

Component 2: 30%

Creation of a devised performance using a theatre practitioner to inform the devising process. Students also complete a working note book. There are 60 marks available for this component, 20 for the performance and 40 for the written element.

Component 3: 30%:

Study of 3 text with an extract performed from each inspired by the theatrical ideologies of a theatre practitioner, the final extract performed is assessed by a visiting examiner, and this performance is worth 40 marks. There is also a written reflective report that accompanies this process worth 20 marks.

Progression Routes

The A-level Drama course offers clear progression from GCSE. The course allows students to build on the skills and knowledge already gained and prepare for their next steps. Drama A level enhances applications to a wide variety of theatre related degree courses as well as providing transferable skills that are admired by many degree courses and potential employees.

Enrichment Opportunities

A-Level students benefit from organised trips to view a variety of performances. This includes a trip to London to see a performance (last year was award winning The Woman in Black).

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