Drama and Theatre Studies (AS and A2)

The course should be seen as a progression from GCSE Drama. Results prove that if you have a commitment to the subject you will do well.

At GCSE you gained the ability to communicate your ideas through Drama. At AS/A2level you will be able to link your own work with the wider world of drama and theatre. You will gain an understanding of the theoretical framework within which your own practice exists. You will do this through practical work, putting on performances, studying a variety of plays and practitioners as well as through written examinations. You must be prepared to go and see a variety of quality plays.

Many drama students go on to study the subject at university. Others, however, go on to study a range of other degrees from English to Psychology.

Course content

The course is divided into four units, of which two are performance based (one year 12 and year 13) whilst the other two explore the work of playwrights and practitioners:

AS Units

Unit 1
Exploration of drama and theatre, Exploration of two contrasting plays and a recognized theatre practitioner.
20% internally assessed/externally moderated coursework

Unit 2
Theatre text in performance. There are two elements to this unit; firstly, a practical examination of acting or design skills in a directed production of a play.  This is followed by a by a presentation of a monologue or duologue in either acting or design form.
30% externally assessed practical

A2 Units

Unit 3
Exploration of Dramatic Performance.  Teacher assessment of the making and performing of a devised piece of theatre for an identified audience.
20% externally assessed 2 hour written paper

Unit 4
Theatre test in context.  Three examination questions two of which are based on the study of a play, and one of which compares a live performance of a play with the original staging conditions.
30% externally assessed 2½ hour written paper.