Drama

AQA 8261 Mr D Todres

What do I need to know and be able to do before taking this course?

GCSE Drama follows on from the work you have done in Years 7, 8 and 9. It offers the chance to explore texts, themes and ideas practically and requires you to be able to evaluate them effectively, both verbally and in writing. Whilst there are no specific qualifications required to elect to take the course, you will need to be reasonably confident or thoroughly prepared to challenge your own confidence levels in performance. You will also need to be a well organised individual and a team player. Pupils taking drama are expected to rehearse outside of lesson time. It is also part of the requirements that they attend at least two professional performances of a theatre show during each year.

You should have an enthusiasm for drama and have some meaningful experience in the subject. Due to the high level of practical and written communication required, a fluency in English is desired.

What will I learn? • To become a self-critical and confident actor and • performer. To evaluate critically other performances, both professional and those of your peers, with insight • and intelligence. To understand the evolution and role of the • theatre in our society. To work effectively alone or in a team and to • develop your confidence. To analyse a range of texts and scripts from a • performance, direction and design perspective. To explore elements of practical and technical theatre.

How is the written part of the course structured and assessed?

Component 1 involves the study of theatrical theory, the practical study of a play and a live theatre evaluation, assessed through a written examination at the end of Year 11. Component 2 provides the opportunity for pupils to create a devised drama, contributing as either designer or performer. Pupils must also produce a Devising Log. This is assessed by the teacher and moderated by AQA. Component 3 requires pupils to perform two extracts from the same play, again contributing as either designer or performer. This is assessed by AQA.

What Sixth Form subjects will this course be useful for?

A GCSE in Drama is preparation for most, if not all, subjects as a direct result of its focus on critical evaluation and presentation skills. The subject demands that you become a reflective learner, looking at your own work and that of your peers to identify strengths and weaknesses along with considering strategies to improve that work. Further to this the ability to consider one’s presentation and delivery of speech and ideas is a key skill in any area of study or even later life.

Through the pursuit of Drama you will have a better understanding of how to influence your audience, deliver your messages and generate a positive response. Subjects of particular note include: Theatre Studies, the natural path of progression, English Literature, for the study of plays and Psychology for its focus on human behaviour. Due to the importance placed on the socio/ historical context of themes and texts in Drama, the subject could also be useful for History though the subject will complement any creative, interpretative or text-based subject.