Drama and Theatre Studies

Course summary

A Level Drama and Theatre is taught in our new drama studio. Drama and Theatre combines both the practical and theoretical study of a diverse range of modern and classical writers, performers and practitioners. The course hones students' team work skills, their analytical thinking and their approach to research and reflection. They will learn to evaluate objectively and develop a comprehensive appreciation of the influences of cultural, social and historical contexts. There is no expectation that students will have studied Drama at GCSE. COURSE OUTLINE In the examination component students will study and explore two set plays in both a theoretical and practical manner. The first is a play which is representative of drama throughout the ages and this is paired with a 20th or 21st century text. Texts studied, include the following: Drama Through the Ages (likely to be ‘Antigone’) Post 1900 (likely to be ‘Our Country’s Good) In addition, students will develop analytical and evaluative skills through the study of live theatre production which provides opportunities to attend theatre visits or watch live screenings. The examination is usually open book and is an opportunity for students to engage with critically acclaimed work from throughout the ages. The coursework element of the subject is made up of two components. The first of these focuses on creating and performing a piece of original drama that is influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner. This component includes a working notebook and a devised performance. It is marked by teachers and then moderated by the examination board. The second coursework component typically focuses on the practical exploration of a selection of extracts taken from different plays and the methodology of one prescribed practitioner is applied to one of these extracts. One of these extracts is also performed as a final assessed piece and students may contribute as a performer, designer or director. OPPORTUNITIES AFTER THE COURSE Students of Drama and Theatre develop skills that are not just vital for drama, but are applicable to wide range of higher education subjects and careers. Whilst the subject will certainly be an essential choice for those wishing to pursue careers in acting, stage management and set design, it would also be advantageous for students interested in pursuing undergraduate study in subjects such as music, English, creative writing, journalism, the media, advertising and teaching.