Drama and Theatre

Why study Drama and Theatre?

Drama and Theatre has become a highly respectable A Level over the last decade, and is valued by universities as a subject connected to both the arts and the humanities. The balance of practical skills and academic knowledge, as well as a growing understanding of, and empathy for, the world around us, allows pupils to develop a wide range of skills and disciplines. It is one of the few subjects that is not based 100% on a written paper at the end of U6. This gives pupils the chance to work practically and attain 60% of their marks before the examination season. It provides an opportunity to spend lessons doing something creative, on their feet, rather than stuck behind a desk.

Drama and Theatre is ideal for those who like to create work that questions assumptions, enjoy finding innovative ways of communicating with an audience, and, most importantly, enjoy performing.

Course content

Pupils study five different plays from various eras (performing sections of three of them), learn to evaluate live theatre as a critical audience member and create their own piece of verbatim theatre based on a topic that interests them. They can be assessed as an actor, a director or a designer. Assessment is of written essay skills and practical acting and directing skills in equal measure.

Will I enjoy it?

Drama is a subject with an almost infinite number of starting points, styles and influences. Whatever a pupil’s passion, they can explore it through the medium of drama. We aim to make the study of Drama an enjoyable and positive learning experience.

What else should I consider?

Drama and Theatre A Level does not only lead to degrees in the performing arts, though it is an obvious choice for those with an interest in acting, directing, technical theatre or anything based in TV, film or theatre. The collaborative and presentation skills acquired are highly valued by courses such as Business, Law, and Medicine. Subjects that complement Drama include English, Classics, History and Art. Drama students have the option of taking a performance-based EPQ or an Arts Award Gold. Drama GCSE is not obligatory, but in these circumstances some co-curricular involvement in Drama is required.

Pupils have opportunities to take part in co-curricular Drama via one of the School productions and in the House Drama competition. These opportunities are well worth taking up, as well as those for pupils to stage their own work; the more performance experience a pupil has, the more successful they will be in examined work.

Assessment

Examination board: AQA

One written examination (40%) • One question on Hedda Gabler by Ibsen • Three questions on Bronte by Polly Teale • One question on a play pupils have seen

Four practical pieces

Presentation of three extracts from four different plays (plus reflective report) (30%) Presentation of a devised piece of drama (plus devising log) (30%)

Who can give me more information? Ms Nurse

l.nurse@sherborne.com