Drama and Theatre

Applications Open: - Now

Applications Close: - Friday 13th February 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications may still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements: - 6 GCSE passes at Grade 5+, including a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics and English.

How to Apply: - Apply via KentChoices

Why study this subject?

• To promote an enjoyment of and an interest in drama and theatre both as a participant and as an informed member of an audience.

• To extend the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to communicate through drama and theatre.

• To develop an understanding and appreciation of the significance of social, cultural and historical influences on the development of drama and theatre.

• To experience a range of opportunities to develop a variety of dramatic and theatrical skills, enabling students to grow creatively and imaginatively in both devised and scripted work.

• To provide a worthwhile and complete course of study that broadens experience, develops imagination, fosters creativity and promotes personal and social development through the exploration of drama.

The A level in Drama & Theatre provides a strong foundation for those students wishing to pursue further study in the subject at Acting School or degree level after they leave school. The course also enables students to gain access to a range of people oriented careers.

Component 1: Theatre Workshop

Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text chosen from a list supplied by Eduqas/WJEC. The piece must be developed using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company. Learners must produce a realisation of the performance or design a creative log.

Component 2: Text in Action

Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus supplied by Eduqas/WJEC:

1. A devised piece using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company (different to that chosen for Component 1)

2. An extract from a text in a contrasting style chosen by the learner.

• Learners must realise their performance live for the visiting examiner.

• Learners choosing design must also give a 5-10minute presentation to the examiner.

• Learners produce a process and evaluation report within 1 week of completion of the practical work.

Component 3: Text in Performance

Written examination covering the following performance texts:

Pre-1956:

• The Trojan Women, Euripides

• As You Like It, William Shakespeare

• Hedda Gabler, Henrik Ibsen

• Machinal, Sophie Treadwell

• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Tennessee Williams

Post-1956:

• Saved, Edward Bond

• Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Dario Fo

• Racing Demon, David Hare

• Love and Information, Caryl Churchill

• Chimerica, Lucy Kirkwood

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens

Component 1: Theatre Workshop

• Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated (20% of qualification)

• Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Component 2: Text in Action

• Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner (40% of qualification)

• Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Component 3: Text in Performance

• Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of qualification)

Sections A and B (Open book)

• Two questions, based on two different texts, one written pre-1956 and one written post-1956.

Section C (Closed Book)

• A series of questions based on a specified extract from: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

• Details of the extract will be released during the first week of June, one year before the examination.

GCSE grade 6 in Drama Studies or English Literature or English Language.

Please apply directly to our School or visit our website to download an application form.

admissions@srms.kent.sch.uk