A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

Applications Open – Monday 3 November 2025

Applications Close – Friday 13 February 2026

Entry Requirements – Can be found on the course booklet on our website: https://4905753ff3cea231a868-376d75cd2890937de6f542499f88a819.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/bartoncourt/uploads/document/Sixth-Form-course-booklet-2026.pdf

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

Drama and Theatre Studies covers theoretical performance and practical performance. The Drama and Theatre Studies course focuses on the student’s ability to critically analyse theatre and its time period. It encourages students to tackle exam questions practically and take their performance skills to a professional level.

The subject content for A Level Drama and Theatre is divided into three components:

1. Drama and theatre

2. Creating original drama

3. Making theatre

Unit 1 3 Hour Written Examination 40%.

Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre

Study of two set plays (one pre-20th century, one 20th or 21st century)

Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers.

Unit 2 Creating Original Drama 30 %

Process of creating devised drama

Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director)

Assessed through a working notebook (40 marks) and a performance (20 marks)

Unit 3 Making Theatre 30%

Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts each taken from a different play.

Assessed through a reflective report of all extracts (20 marks) and performance of third extract (40 marks)

Sixth Form entry requirements, including GCSE Drama at grade 6 or BTEC level 2 Performing Arts Distinction if taken, otherwise GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 6.

Drama and Theatre Studies stimulates growth and creativity. Drama and Theatre Studies A-Level gives a lot of freedom to its students in terms of what they produce. The devising component allows students to create theatre based on any topic they like, and the scripted component allows them to choose a style of performance to be assessed on. This qualification encourages students to contemplate creative ways to approach theatre.

Drama and Theatre Studies offers the most transferable skills over any other subject. Drama and Theatre Studies A-Level is considered the most transferable A-Level by Oxford and Cambridge. You are taught how to; communicate with others effectively, problem solve, prepare/deliver speeches for any size audiences, work individually effectively, time manage effectively, critically analyse text and performance. It is a subject which links closely with English, art, film studies and music and is vital if students wish to pursue a career in the arts and entertainment world.