Exam Board: Edexcel
In Year 12 you will practically explore the methodologies of a range of theatre practitioners such as Brecht, Artaud and Stanislavski. This work will lead you to create a devised performance which will be performed and examined as part of your A-Level. For this unit you can be examined as an actor or technical designer. You will also practically study a set text (currently Machinal by Sophie Treadwell) and practise writing exam responses as an actor, director and designer. Additionally, you will be able to take part in a workshop with a professional theatre company to develop your performance skills and you will go to see a professional show, writing an evaluation of it as part of your examination preparation.
In Year 13 you will work on two scripted extracts; a group piece and a monologue or duologue. These will be directed pieces in which you can showcase your expert performance or technical skills to the visiting examiner. You will see another live professional performance and practise your evaluative essay ready for the written exam as well as studying your second set text (currently Woyzeck by Georg Buchner). For this text you will take on the role of a director and practically explore it, trying out different rehearsal and performance ideas before deciding on a concept to write about in the written exam.
This is an exciting and varied course which offers lots of creative opportunities to tailor the course to your strengths and interests as well as having practical work embedded in the qualification. There is an option throughout the course to do acting or technical routes.
60% coursework / 40% written examination
General college entry requirements plus a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language.
Many students go on to study acting, musical theatre or technical theatre (lighting, directing etc) at university or drama school and forge careers for themselves in the Arts industry. For some, Drama A-Level also gives them an edge when applying to other courses such as English, Law or Politics as the advanced skills developed throughout the course lend themselves to those who are great public speakers, analysers and who need an awareness of the human condition.