A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

Applications Open: - 11th November 2025

Applications Close: - 23rd January 2026 to allow us to build our curriculum. We will accept late applications beyond this date, but they may take longer to process.

Entry Requirements: - Vary by course please see individual subject information on this website. We also require students to achieve at least five Grade 5s or above at GCSE for Level 3 curriculum. For our Level 2 Pathway, students need to have five Grade 3s or above, inlcuding English and Maths

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications submitted by the end of January will have a decision on their offer by the 2nd April 2026.

Students of AQA Drama and Theatre develop skills that are not just essential for drama but applicable to a wide range of higher education subjects and in the workplace. This course refines students' collaborative skills, their analytical thinking and their approach to research. Students grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on decision making. Whatever the future holds, students of A-level Drama and Theatre emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills preparing them for their next steps.

Topics covered are:

1. Devising using a prescribed practitioner

2. Performance of a text to a prescribed practitioner

3. Drama practitioners (e.g. Brecht, Artuad, Stanislavski)

4. Acting techniques

5. Design techniques

6. Jerusalem – Jez Butterworth

7. Our Countries Good – Timberlake Wertenbaker

8. Review of live theatre

Practical sessions alongside theoretical content.

Assessment method:

Component 1

3 hour open book written exam

80 Marks

40% of A-Level

Content:

Knowledge and understanding of drama

Study of two set texts

Analysis of live theatre production

Component 2

Process of creating devised drama (logbook)

Performance of devised drama (performance of devised piece)

60 Marks

30% of A-Level

Content:

Study of a practitioner

Influence of research and themes upon a production

Grade 5 or higher in GCSE Drama or at least a Merit grade in a Level 2 vocational Drama / Performing Arts qualification.

Students who do not have this, but have experience outside of school can be considered with an audition.

Students are also required to have a grade 4 in GCSE English

Component 3

Performance of extract 3 (performance)

Interpretation of extract 1, 2 and 3 (logbook)

60 Marks

30% of A-Level

Content:

Study of practitioner

Study of set extracts and scripts

Not only does this course provide access to those wishing to attend traditional drama and theatre schools, but it also offers access to a wide range of university and career paths.

More traditional university’s offer drama as a stand-alone subject where students can home in on their skills and practices developed at further education. Also, an A-Level in drama will aid with English Literature studies at higher education where students will continue to analyse and evaluate set-texts.

If students wish to continue their theatrical training, then performing arts / drama schools are the ideal route. Students here will be starting their professional journeys, whether that be on or off stage, and they will be continuing to use skills developed at A-Level.

Future careers in drama include but are not limited to: Actor, Stage Manager, Event Manager, Designer (Lighting, Sound, Set, Costume etc.), Director, Drama Therapist, Teacher, Playwright, Community Arts Worker, Theatre Manager, Talent Agent etc.