Drama and Theatre A Level

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

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.