Drama
AQA
Our GCSE Drama course aims to engender a lifelong love of the arts and the stage. This is a very popular and highly successful optional subject, involving the practical exploration of different genres of theatre. This exciting and academic course teaches evaluation, interpretation and analysis by encouraging participating students to practically explore and actively engage in a wide range of creative and stimulating activities. It builds presentation skills, confidence and communication. It teaches you to work in a team, but lessons also aim to develop independent learning skills and they encourage pupils to become more critical and reflective.
Drama encourages you to think in alternative ways, providing students with problem solving abilities and empathy, and it helps you to face challenges and improvise confidently. Drama also aids literacy skills and helps with wider reading and through the various texts and periods studied, an understanding of politics and society is also heightened. Drama is a fun addition to your day and opportunities exist to attend live productions and engage in workshop activities.
The course comprises of three components:
Component 1: Understanding drama
This component tests the knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre. Candidates study The Crucible as a classic set text, with a view to how it may be brought to life on stage.
Candidates study a number of live theatre productions, analysing and evaluating their success.
Consideration will be given to setting, production ideas and acting techniques. Style, genre, theme, character and context are also important.
Component 2: Devising practical drama
This component assesses the creation and performance of devised drama. It includes the final presentation of a group piece alongside the analysis and evaluation of the work produced.
Component 3: Texts in practice
Students perform two extracts from one play. (The chosen play must contrast with the set text used for component 1)
As 60% of the marks are gained before the written examination, the emphasis is on consistent hard work building up to strong practical performances.
Pupils who enjoy working practically and creatively, being part of a team and performing should consider this subject.
Assessment
Component 1 is assessed by a written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) involving multiple choice questions and longer written responses. This accounts for 40% of the overall marks for the course.
Component 2 is assessed internally via a devising log and performance (externally moderated). This accounts for 40% of the overall marks for the course.
Component 3 is assessed by an external examiner. This accounts for 20% of the overall marks for the course.
For further details about this course please contact Mrs. R Abson, Head of Drama.