Drama & Theatre Studies– A’Level

Our SL6 Opening Evening will be held on Thursday 3rd December 2026. Information on how to book your tickets are now available on the school website.

The evening will provide an opportunity to learn more about the wide range of pathways available in our Sixth Form, including Level 2, vocational, and academic Level 3 courses. Staff and students will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about subjects, entry requirements, and life in SL6.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you explore the exciting opportunities available for post-16 study.

A Level Drama and Theatre requires students to be independent, organised and committed both inside and outside the classroom. Students will be expected to:

• Rehearse and refine practical work outside of lesson time, both independently and collaboratively.

• Complete written exam practice, including past-paper questions and extended responses.

• Research theatre practitioners, performance styles, texts and relevant social and historical contexts.

• Develop, write and continually refine their coursework and portfolio evidence.

• Read, annotate and analyse set texts in depth.

• Watch and evaluate live theatre, where possible, making connections to their own practical work.

• Reflect on feedback and use it to improve both practical and written work.

• Meet deadlines and take responsibility for managing their workload effectively.

Independent study is an essential part of the course and students should be prepared to take initiative, practise regularly and continually develop their skills as both theatre-makers and critical thinkers.

Students will develop a broad range of practical, creative and academic skills, including:

• Performance, directing and/or technical design skills.

• Collaboration, communication and leadership.

• Knowledge of theatre practitioners, styles and theatrical conventions.

• Analysis and evaluation of texts, performances and live theatre.

• In-depth understanding of set texts, characters, themes and context.

• Research, independent learning and problem-solving skills.

• Academic writing and exam technique.

• Confidence, creativity and the ability to make and justify informed artistic choices.

Component 1: Devising:

• Internally assessed and externally moderated.

• There are two parts to the assessment:

o 1) a portfolio (60 marks)

 the portfolio submission can be handwritten/typed evidence between 2500–3000 words

o 2) the devised performance/design realisation (20 marks).

Component 2: Text in Performance:

• Externally assessed either by visiting examiner or by examiner assessing the recorded live performance.

• Group performance/design realisation: worth 36 marks.

• Monologue or duologue/design realisation: worth 24 marks.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice:

• Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation

• Section B: Page to Stage: Realising a Performance Text

• Section C: Interpreting a Performance Text

Component 1: Devising:

• Non-examination assessment

• 40% of the qualification - 80 marks

• Devise an original performance piece.

• Use one key extract from a performance text and a theatre practitioner as stimuli.

Component 2: Text in Performance:

• Non-examination assessment

• 20% of the qualification - 60 marks

• A group performance/design realisation of one key extract from a performance text.

• A monologue or duologue performance/design realisation from one key extract from a different performance text.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice:

• Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes

• 40% of the qualification - 80 marks

• Live theatre evaluation

• Practical exploration and study of a complete performance text – focusing on how

this can be realised for performance.

• Practical exploration and interpretation of another complete performance text, in

light of a chosen theatre practitioner – focusing on how this text could be reimagined

for a contemporary audience.

A Level Drama and Theatre can lead to careers across the performing arts and creative industries, including acting, directing, theatre production, stage management, lighting, sound, design, producing and arts management. It also develops transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity and confidence, supporting progression into a wide range of further education, training and careers.

Career Pathways - Performing & Creative

Actor

Theatre Director

Playwright

Producer

Choreographer

Casting Director

Theatre Designer

Set Designer

Costume Designer

Lighting Designer

Sound Designer

Stage Manager

Theatre Technician

Arts Administrator