Drama and Theatre A Level

The A Level Drama and Theatre course aims to provide all students with key skills related to communication (verbal, non-verbal and written), analysis, collaboration and leadership through practical and academic study. It develops career opportunities as well as access to further or higher education courses within a range of fields, not just the performing arts. The course focuses on performance skills and practical work along with the study of a variety of texts, practitioners, creative exploration and directorial decisions. In addition, all students will investigate and experience the skills required to present and perform in productions, through personal involvement in performances and the observation of professional live theatre. We also provide opportunities for students to work with professional theatre companies.

Skills gained will provide students with an understanding and ability to apply the methodologies and styles of different practitioners and theatre companies to pre-existing texts and the creation of devised work from a given stimulus. The study of play texts will not only increase student’s repertoire, but also develop their understanding of performance work from technical and directorial perspectives. Extra-curricular activities such as trips and visits. Work Experience is offered by students running and directing workshops for KS3 as a student enterprise experience. In addition, departmental links with wider industry professionals can also lead to work experience opportunities, which is advised for those seeking further education or a career in the arts. For those not wishing to pursue drama further, the available work experience opportunities allow employers/admissions officers to see applicants in a very rounded way.

Component One Theatre Workshop (20% Practical, internally assessed) – Creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a chosen play text, performed using the work methodologies of Marianne Elliott, supported by a creative log.

Component Two Text in Action (40% Practical, externally assessed) - Creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre, concluded with an evaluation report.

1) A devised piece, responding to a stimulus, using the techniques and working methods of Augusto Boal.

2) An extract from a text performed in the style of Katie Mitchell.

Component Three Text in Performance (40% Written Exam, externally assessed)

1) Section A – Open Book: Two questions on a text written post-1956.

2) Section B = Open book: One essay question on a text written pre1956.

3) Section C = A question based on a specified, pre-release extract from ‘A Monster Calls’ by Patrick Ness

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE grades in the range of 9- 4, including Drama. Maths, English (Minimum grade 4). Students are expected to take part in the school productions/companies.

The course is for students who are interested in a variety of careers, both in Acting or the Performing Arts, but also industries that involve elements of public speaking, leadership, empathy and teamwork.