Drama and Theatre Studies

Course summary

In unit 1 students explore two contrasting plays through practical drama workshops. As part of the practical workshop process, students must compile a portfolio of supporting written work in controlled conditions. All students have to attend a live theatre performance and complete a written review of the work seen. In unit 2 students work together in groups to stage a play for a visiting external examiner. Students must also present a monologue or duologue as part of the assessment process and compile a set of notes explaining the artistic choices they have made. The unit is broken into two sections and in both, if a candidate wishes, she/he may choose to do a technical option - lighting, sound, set, costume or make-up. In unit 3 students work to devise their own performance piece building on their knowledge gained of practitioners and genres in Unit 1. Again students may opt for the technical choice. There is also a written element called 'SWED' (Student Written Evidence Document) which is written under controlled conditions. Unit 4 is a synoptic written examination in which students must apply the knowledge they have acquired throughout the course as they answer a series of questions on a certain play set by the examination board. The exam is in 3 sections: Section 1 is about the rehearsal process; Section 2 is about directing your own interpretation; Section 3 is testing your theatre history knowledge where you must comment on a live theatre performance from a certain time period.