A highly practical course that encapsulates the magic of performance.  On this course you will gain a deeper understanding of how theatre works and have countless opportunities to be a performer, designer and active audience member.

AS Topics (studied under the two AS unit titles if you wish)

UNIT 1 Exploration of Drama & Theatre

1. Study 2 contrasting plays:

Vinegar Tom by Carol Churchill

The Accrington Pals by Peter Whelan

2. A portfolio of Exploration Notes (3000 words) to accompany your      study of these two plays

3. A live theatre performance

4. A written evaluation of this live theatre performance in 1000 words

UNIT 3 Exploration of Dramatic Performance

1. Students create an original and unique piece of theatre

2. Students assessed on the process through a written portfolio of up to 3500 words and which should include diagrams

3. The piece should last up to 30 minutes

4. Groups can range from 3 to 6 students

A2 Topics (studied under the two AS unit titles if you wish)

UNIT 2 Theatre Text in Performance

Section A - The presentation of either a monologue (2 minutes) or duologue (5 minutes)

Section B - A group performance of a published play lasting between 15 minutes and 60 minutes

UNIT 4 Theatre Text in Context

Section A - The Process (20 marks). Students study one play and develop their ideas for a proposed production from the perspective of the Director considering approaches to rehearsal

Section B - The Performance (30 marks). Students write one essay question that explores an aspect of their interpretation in relation to the chosen play

Section C - Performance in it's historical context (30 marks). With a choice of two questions, students write about a live performance of a play and then compare this to productions of the same play from different centuries

Where does it lead?

Opportunities to study Drama and Drama related courses at University, entry to Drama school and most degree course.

Why you should study Theatre Studies?

You should study Drama & Theatre Studies because...

• it is fun
• it is highly practical
• it is very academic
• it opens many doors to further study and careers in the Arts

What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

Students need to be very motivated, confident in terms of performance and willing to experiment physically and vocally.

Assessment

Year 1

Unit 1: 40% of AS mark (20% total A level mark) internally assessed

Unit 3: 40% of A2 mark (20% of total A level mark) internally assessed

Year 2

Unit 2: 60% of AS mark (30% of total A level mark) externally assessed by visiting examiner

Unit 4: 60% of A2 mark (30% of total A level mark)  - a 2 hour 30 minute written exam (worth 80 marks)

Enrichment Activities

There are a number of trips and visits to theatre events throughout the course - to London and regional theatres.

Other Information

All resources needed for the course will be provided although a list of support texts will be provided at the start of the course. Students will also need to contribute towards some of the theatre trips. Take a look at the edexcel website:

www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/drama