Theatre Studies
GCSE Drama
Edexcel(1699)
What is GCSE Drama all about?
GCSE Drama is all about understanding what it is like to put yourself in somebody else's shoes. You will play many parts in different imaginary situations. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people.
The course is in three parts: in part one of the course you will use drama to express your feelings and ideas about a range of issues. In part two of the course you will look at a play to see how a playwright expresses their ideas about a theme or topic and explore ways of making the play work on stage. In part three of the course you will have the choice of being involved in the performance of a play from an existing script or one you can create yourselves.
Will I enjoy this course?
You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative. You may have done some acting before or helped out backstage on a production. You may have always wanted to have a go at making a play, performing, making costumes, building a set or operating the lights but never had the chance. You will enjoy this course if you enjoy working as part of a team as Drama involves a lot of group work.
How does it follow on from what I have learned before?
GCSE Drama follows on from drama work that you will have done at Key Stage 3 (years 7-9). You will develop your improvisation and acting skills to a higher level. You will also look at plays in more detail and look at different ways of bringing a script alive on stage.
What about exams?
The examination for GCSE Drama is a practical performance. It is worth 40% of the marks. You will take part in a play that you have created as a group or rehearsed from a script. You can either be examined on your acting skills in the performance or on your design and technical skills (stage design, costume, masks and makeup, lighting or sound). You will perform the play in front of an audience and the examiner will be present at one of the performances.
Is there any coursework?
The 60% coursework part of the GCSE Drama course consists of practical performance work and a written notebook of evidence. During your course you will take part in 2 different workshops that will be marked by your teacher. In one of the workshops you will use all that you have learnt about Drama to explore your responses to a range of material presented to you by your teacher. In the other workshop you will explore a play and show your understanding of drama by taking part in a number of exercises based on the play. You will be assessed on your practical work and on the supporting notes you keep during the workshops.
What about my results?
You can achieve grades A* to G in GCSE Drama. The final grade is reported in August.
What other skills might I develop?
As well as acquiring the skills involved in creating and performing Drama, you will also be able to acquire skills in working with others, problem solving and communication. You will find that Drama will help you feel more self-confident and prepare you to deal with a range of different situations and people.
What could I do next with GCSE Drama?
There are many things you can go on to do with a GCSE in Drama. If you are unsure about what to do next, the best thing to do is to speak to your Drama teacher who will know about the choices on offer. You could go on to take an AS or A level in Drama and Theatre Studies, or a Vocational A level in Performing Arts or a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts or Performance Design and Technology. You may wish to take a GCSE in Drama for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest or as part of a range of other subjects. Or you might wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of Drama, or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course. These might include careers in such fields as retail, travel and tourism, sales and marketing or any career that involves meeting people face to face. The study of Drama can help you develop transferable skills which you can take into any career or job.
A Level Theatre Studies
Edexcel Drama & Theatre Studies
AS 8113
A2 9113
Practically speaking...
The AS in Drama and Theatre Studies is predominantly a practical course. It focuses on developing performing, directing and designing skills through the study of a wide range of plays of different styles and from different social and historical backgrounds. Practical work is supported by written coursework that helps develop critical and analytical skills as well as an understanding of the language of drama and theatre.
What we expect of you
- Imagination and invention
- Self-criticism (and criticism of others)
- Tolerance of the views of others
- Interest and enjoyment in performing and going to the theatre
The AS Course
Unit 1: Exploration of Drama and Theatre
You will study two plays in detail and encounter many of the skills and words needed for the rest of the course. The practical workshop part of the course is internally assessed and then related to written coursework which is developed throughout. Unit 1 forms 30% of the AS mark and 15% of the A2 mark.
Unit 2: Text in Performance 1
This unit enables you to develop your performing or production skills in a practical way. During rehearsals, notes must be kept which are then used for the Unit 3 exam. This production will be directed for an audience by a tutor but assessed by an external moderator. This section of the course forms 40% of the total AS grade and 20% of the A2 total.
Unit 3: Text in Context 1
This unit refers back to the play performed in Unit 2 and also asks questions about your understanding and appreciation of "live" theatre seen during the course. 30% of the AS grade is found here, likewise 15% of the A2 total.
The A2 Course Unit 4: Devising
You will be assessed internally on this part of the course, although it is externally moderated.
It requires you to work in a group to devise an original piece of theatre for a presentation to an audience. This will be based on criteria set by the tutor. A structured record (written coursework) of the process will also be kept which will be assessed alongside contribution and performance. This unit forms 20% of the A2 grade.
Unit 5: Text in Performance 2 (synoptic)
You will study in depth a play from the point of view of a director, designer or performer. Assessment is by workshop presentation of a student directed performance of extracts from this play that will last between 15-30 minutes. You will be assessed by a visiting examiner. 15% of the A2 grade is available here.
Unit 6: Text in Context 2
Three examination questions based on the study of two plays will test you knowledge and understanding of context. Section A is based on a director's approach to a play and Section B is based on performance analysis and research. It is an externally assessed 2 hour 30 minute written paper.
The last word...
The course demands practical, creative and communication skills as well as intellectual skills. These are attributes in high demand at University and beyond in a wide range of careers not directly linked to the theatre. While the course is suitable for those with a love of theatre and a desire to pursue the subject as a vocation at University, it is also suitable for those wishing to broaden and extend experience, complementing a range of other subjects. It is accepted as an academic subject by all the major Universities including Oxbridge.
You will need to have at least a grade B in both English Language and Literature in order to be accepted on the course.
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Saturday, 22 November 2008
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