Drama and Theatre Studies AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: AQA

This course will be enjoyable and stimulating for those who are interested in gaining a wider knowledge and understanding of the theatre. It provides the opportunity to develop practical skills alongside a critical written response.

Theatre Studies has become a very popular choice for Sixth Form pupils as it combines the development of oral presentation skills, increasingly focused on by universities as an alternative to the traditional essay, with written analysis. GCSE Drama is a useful preparation for the course but we also welcome pupils without this foundation, who can demonstrate a sustained interest in and/ or experience of theatre.

Theatre Studies is a suitable preparation for a wide range of careers. Problem-solving, analytical and negotiation skills become highly developed and are demanded by a number of professions ranging from law, the media, teaching, public service, marketing and administration. It is, of course, an excellent preparation for a career in the theatre, entertainment and leisure industries in a number of capacities – not just acting. Most universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, accept the AQA Theatre Studies A level as a suitable preparation for an Arts degree.

The course is full and varied. It does demand personal commitment and engagement from the pupil as it involves working as a member of a team as well as individual study. Participation in extra-curricular drama activities is invaluable in the development of practical skills and is therefore actively encouraged by the department. The AS/A2 level offers a considerable sense of achievement and enjoyment.

AS EXAMINATION

UNIT 1

Written Analysis of live theatre seen during the course. Interpretation of a set play from a performance perspective.

AS 60% A2 30%

UNIT 2

Practical Performance by a group of an extract from a play. Study of a director, designer or practitioner linked to the practical performance and presented as a portfolio.

AS 40% A2 20%

A2 EXAMINATION

UNIT 3

Written Study of two further set plays; one pre twentieth century.

30%

UNIT 4

Practical Performance by a group of a devised piece of drama, in a theatrical style of their choice. Research into a theatrical style chosen by the group members for their practical work.

20%

The course requires that pupils see a number of productions over the two-year period. In addition, there will be at least one workshop each year led by a professional theatre practitioner. The cost of such trips varies but a sum of at least £70 needs to be budgeted. Three play texts will need to be purchased at approximately £8 each.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses that may be related to the performing arts or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatre Studies, which could lead onto higher education within the arts or more general higher education courses. Theatre Studies is a suitable preparation for a wide range of careers. Problem-solving, analytical and negotiation skills become highly developed and are demanded by a number of professions ranging from law, the media, teaching, public service, marketing and administration. It is, of course, an excellent preparation for a career in the theatre, entertainment and leisure industries in a number of capacities – not just acting. Most universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, accept the AQA Theatre Studies A level as a suitable preparation for an Arts degree. The course offers a distinct subject content which provides you with the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers from lots of industries are looking for.