Course
Drama & Theatre
Exam Board
OCR
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mr A Hughes - ahughes@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
The A level in Drama has been specifically designed to be a practical, engaging and creative specification for learners to study. It provides them with opportunities to interrogate drama and the work of others, to explore a range of drama as a practical art form, and to work independently to create their own drama performances making informed artistic choices.
The main purpose of this qualification is to allow learners to study drama and theatre in an academic setting, interrogating this art form and applying their knowledge and understanding to the process of creating and developing drama and theatre and to their own performance work. It will also prepare learners for the further study of Drama or Performing Arts courses in Higher Education as well as developing transferable skills desired by all sectors of the industry.
By undertaking this qualification, you will become independent learners, critical thinkers and effective decision makers – all personal attributes that can make you stand out as you progress through your education and into employment.
What our students say
"I love being able to interpret and to create something I am proud of." "We all worked so hard as a team to achieve."
Course Requirements
Drama - Grade 5 preferred (can be discussed at audition/interview)
English - Grade 4
Assessment
Component 1: Practitioners in practice (Non-exam assessment - 40% weighting)
Students explore practically the work of theatre practitioners and use the skills gained to explore text and create devised theatre as either a performer or a designer.
Component 2: Exploring and performing texts (Non-exam assessment - 20% weighting)
Students explore one performance text in its entirety and perform part of the text, applying the relevant skills to communicate the meaning in a performance text to an audience, as either a performer or a designer.
Component 3: Analysing performance (2hr 15min exam - 20% weighting)
Students explore practically the texts Othello and Frankenstein, developing knowledge and understanding of how extracts can be rehearsed and interpreted in performance. They also analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance.
Component 4: Deconstructing texts for performance (1hr 45min exam - 20% weighting)
Students will interpret and explore practically the text Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, considering how to create, develop and direct a performance for an audience.
This course opens up a range of pathways upon completion. It leads very well to further study of Performing Arts courses at Higher Education or specialist institutes. It also helps to prepare students to work in the performing arts industry and its wider related industries such as live theatre, film, television and radio. Above all, it equips students with a range of highly desirable and transferable soft skills, useful in any chosen career pathway.
