GCSE Drama

Course summary

Cleeve School will be running the EDUQAS Drama GCSE course. Students can expect to develop and enhance their creativity, personal growth and self-confidence. The EDUQAS specification promotes students’ enjoyment of drama as performers, directors and designers. Students will practically investigate various practitioners, genres and theatre companies. They will learn to work collaboratively to develop their own ideas, explore how to express their feelings and establish a voice through performance. Students will also be encouraged to experiment with technical and design elements of the course. By studying GCSE Drama, students will learn more about the subject’s contribution to social and cultural commentary. They will come to appreciate that drama provides significant opportunities for expressing cultural and personal identity. The course will also aim to provide opportunities for students to attend professional performances, and develop their skills as informed and thoughtful audience members. It is important to note that there is a theoretical element to the course. Students will be expected to write about their ideas as a Performer, Director and Designer. They are also encouraged to reflect on and evaluate their performances to develop their understanding of the impact on the audience. Component 1: 40% Devised Theatre - non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of a theatre practitioner or a genre in response to a stimulus set by EDUQAS. Component 2: 20% Performing from a text - non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner Learners study two extracts from the same performance text and deliver one performance of both. Component 3: 40% Interpreting Theatre - written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes  Section A: Set Text - A series of questions on one set text.  Section B: Live Theatre Review - One question, from a choice of two, requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course. This course is an ideal preparation for Drama and Theatre Studies A Level. It is also a good way to improve social skills and self-confidence. The course enables students to explore key skills that will benefit them in the world of work or further academic study at university. Who should I speak to about this subject? Miss Dundas - Head of Drama (dad@cleeveschool.net) Miss Mander – Teacher of Performing Arts (dmm@cleeveschool.net