Drama & Theatre

Overview

Combining coursework assessment and a final examination, Drama & Theatre A Level will develop your knowledge and understanding of text, performance and practitioner. It offers the opportunity to develop performance skills through participation in devised and text-based performance work. In addition, you will become skilled at textual analysis, directing for the stage and responding to live theatre. This course is active, creative and dynamic. Contemporary texts and current theatre practice form the basis of study.

For further information or to discuss in more detail, please contact:

Mr R

Gee

Director of Drama

rgee@kgs.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @KGS_Drama

How is the course assessed?

60% of the course is assessed via practical and written coursework, which takes place throughout the two-year course. The final 40% is a written exam at the end of the course.

Over the two years you will demonstrate a practical understanding of:

• two full and substantial performance texts

• three key extracts from contrasting texts

• two influential theatre practitioners

You will also take part in two major performances:

• a devised performance

• a text-based performance

Examination board

Edexcel

Useful attributes

This course suits those who enjoy active learning and independent exploration. Much of the learning is done through practical work, and the emphasis is placed on the individual to research, discuss and explore text and performance. An interest in theatre and different styles of performance is required, as is an open and creative mind.

Personal development

By the end of the course, you will be a creative and knowledgeable theatre maker, who has an extensive knowledge of text and the ability to critically respond to ideas. You will have gained a wide range of performance and presentation experience, applicable to all types of career paths. You will be able to structure debate, drawing on a wide range of examples from the world of theatre and the arts.

Future directions

The majority of A Level Drama & Theatre students progress to studying courses at top universities including English & Drama at Cambridge, Law at Cambridge, and English at Oxford. Some students choose to audition for drama schools to train to be actors or designers. Schools such as RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama have been popular choices.