DRAMA GCSE

Drama is a subject that is becoming increasingly valued by businesses, who feel that our young people lack the confidence at interviews, or the ability to present. Within drama you will not only study the craft of acting and theatre, you will also learn extremely valuable transferrable skills for example – collaboration, empathy, analysis, evaluation, deconstruction of a given subject and construction of performance pieces. You are able to perform but also work on production skills such as lighting, costume, sound, set/props, etc.

COURSE CONTENT

The course aims to develop:

• an understanding and response to a wide range of play texts and an ability to communicate the authors intentions to an audience.

• an awareness of social, historical and cultural contexts of play texts.

• increased self and group awareness and the ability to appreciate and evaluate the work of others.

• skills of creativity, self-confidence, concentration, self-discipline and communication.

ASSESSMENT

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment is broken down into the following areas:

Practical Coursework – 60%

• Marks are awarded on the practical examination of performance.

• Marks are awarded on their practical preparation and rehearsal process.

• Marks are also awarded for their written records on their development of acting skills and responses to final performance (portfolio).

Written Examination Paper – 40%

At the end of Year 11 a written paper is taken which tests the candidate on three areas:

• Understanding of drama and theatre terminology

• The study of a set play – from the point of view of a performer.

• The study of a live production seen during the course.

Legacy Specification – Year 11 only

ASSESSED CONTENT

Students will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Different genres, performance styles and conventions; your ability to select, interpret and employ them in the range of scripts and stimuli studied through your own work

• How drama language, signs and symbols of theatre are used to communicate dramatic meaning and atmosphere and show these in your own work

• How to reflect on and analyse your own and others’ work, taking action where appropriate to improve it.

The course emphasises the application of knowledge and skills. Assessment Objectives relate to the creation of practical drama, informed by knowledge and understanding of varied texts, scripts, genres, styles and conventions as outlined in the specification content.

The course is intellectually, emotionally and physically demanding and is definitely not suitable for those students looking for an easy option.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Throughout the GCSE Drama programme, you will be encouraged to collaborate with others, engaging in stimulating and creative activities with confidence. These fundamental cooperative, collaborative and social skills are useful across all kinds of disciplines, careers and life experiences in general.

COURSE CONTENT

ASSESSMENT

Legacy Specification – Year 11 only

ASSESSED CONTENT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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