Drama & Theatre Studies
Head of Department
Mr Alex Lipman
Qualification
A Level
Exam Board
AQA
Entry Requirements
- 6 in English Language
- 6 in Drama or another related humanities subject
- Evidence of an interest in Theatre Studies shown, if no drama GCSE
Why study this course
No two drama lessons are ever quite the same. In one lesson you might be introduced to the background of one of your set texts. You might be shown a range of stimuli to help you research the period the play is set in. In the next lesson you might be working practically on the script, thinking up ideas for how you might design an appropriate stage setting whilst also working as a group of actors, exploring the meaning of lines and discussing how to bring the scene to life on stage for an audience.
Although no two drama lessons are ever the same, there will be one feature common to all. You, your fellow students and your teacher will be working together to understand drama and create theatre. This qualification emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding.
Students will:
- Create, perform and respond to drama and theatre.
- Develop the creativity and independence to become effective theatre makers.
- Explore the relationship between theory and practice in a range of theatrical styles and periods and historical, social and cultural contexts.
- Learn how relevant research, independent thought and analysis of live theatre production can inform decision making in their practical work and put this understanding into practice.
- Experience the ways in which theatre makers collaborate to create theatre.
Course Overview
Component 1: (Written - 40%)
What's assessed
Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre.
Study of two set plays, one chosen from List A, one chosen from List B.
Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers.
Component 2: Creating Original Drama (Practical - 30%)
What's assessed
Process of creating devised drama.
Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director).
Devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner.
Component 3: Making Theatre (Practical - 30%)
What's assessed
Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts (Extract 1, 2 and 3) each taken from a different play.
Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 3.
Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director).
Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts.
Exam Specification
SoW
Drama and Theatre Studies Info 2023
Enrichment
- Various theatre trips throughout the course, including The Kiln, The National Theatre, The Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Lyric and more.
- Professionally led workshops. Previous workshops have included Frantic Assembly, Trestle Masks, Punchdrunk Immersive Theatre, Stage Combat and Greek Theatre.
- Performances to an invited audience.
A Level Drama and Theatre students are also encouraged to support with co-curricular clubs and activities arranged by the drama department.
Future Pathways
Students of 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.
Theatre Studies, highly valued by employees and universities, has seen past students offered places at universities ranging from Warwick, Hull, Middlesex and Oxford, to Mount View Academy of Theatre Arts and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
The subject enhances transferable skills that are relevant to a wide range of careers in everything from law, journalism, education, performance and media.