Drama & Theatre
Lead: Miss Adejonwo
Email: aadejonwo6.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview
This two-year course is especially for designed forstudents who have a passion and interest for drama and theatre. A Level Drama and Theatre encourages the development of creativity, practical working, self-discipline and literacy skills, supporting progression to further study of drama and a wide range of other subjects. Students become confident, collaborative and risk-taking learners, well-equipped for many careers and further study. The course has a clear and strong academic underpinning through its study of set texts, practitioners, and historical theatre performances, but also encourages learners to be fresh and current with a clear comprehension of modern theatre.
A Level Drama at Park High School is taught in collaboration with Canons High School. Students share the amazing expertise of both faculties in each school, giving them a unique and fantastic learning experience.
This course is particularly suitable for students who have studied GCSE Drama, English, Dance or History and wish to study Theatre at a higher level. The content allows students to study a subject which can be extended through higher education and promotes a clear understanding of creative study and the wider context of Drama and Theatre.
“Studying Drama has developed my confidence in so many ways. It has allowed me to have much more awareness of myself and my emotions. The course is so enjoyable and creative, it allows you to discover more about wider society and the issues we face, giving me a different perspective. The written aspects of the course have supported my learning in English. I would highly recommend Drama and Theatre to any prospective student.” - Student
Exam Board: EDUQAS
Course Specification: A690QS
Qualification obtained: EDUQAS Level 3 Advance A Level in Drama and Theatre
Entry requirements:
Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.
If studied Grade 5 in Drama
What you will study
The course is split into three components:
Component 1: Devising
- Students reinterpret a text in the style of a leading practitioner or theatre company.
- This component is assessed through the final performance and an accompanying creative log. Component 2: Text in Performance
- This component allows students to engage directly with a wide variety of scripts and perform an abridged version of a play.
- Students also devise their own piece of drama in the style of a theatre practitioner or company different to that of C1.
- Students are assessed through their final performances and a process and evaluation report one week after the completion of both performances.
Component 3: Written Examination
- Study three set text
- Analyse, interpret, and understand the realisation of the performance text with consideration of a director’s intentions.
- Interpret how to realise a text through performance and performance workshops.
- Completion of a 2 hr 30 m written paper.
Assessment
Assessment percentage:
60% Exam
40% Coursework
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Assessment | Weight |
| 01 | Devising | Non-examination assessment: 80 marks Performance and Written Coursework | 40% |
| 02 | Text in Performance | Externally assessed by a visiting examiner: 60 marks Performance based | 20% |
| 03 | Theatre Makers in Practice | Written Examination: 80 marks, 2hr 30min | 40% |
Progression routes
As an Arts-based subject Drama and Theatre will open a range of pathways post-18 including Drama, Technical Theatre, Teaching, Law, Psychology, English, Creative Writing, History, Stagecraft, Arts Management, Politics, Sociology and Dance.
Additional Information
Course specific equipment:
- Course Play texts
Essential Reading Material:
‘Hedda Gabler’ by Henrik Ibsen ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’ by Dario Fo
‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’ by Simon Stephens
Recommended resources:
Enrichment:
Students are expected to be involved in extra-curricular activities such as Rock Challenge, the school musical, Arts Award Silver and Play performances that will support their development within lessons. Students will be expected to rehearse the performance elements of the course outside of lessons. We go on many trips throughout the year to see live theatre and support learning. There will be two compulsory trips per year at a cost of approx. £20 each.