Drama

The Course

Pupils who study Drama at GCSE have the opportunity to develop their acting skills by taking part in devising and scripted tasks. To compliment this, pupils broaden their knowledge of different playwrights and styles of theatre within the Interpreting Theatre element of the course.

Course Structure

The course has three key areas:

Devising Theatre (Internally assessed coursework) - 40% 

Within this unit pupils will be expected to participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre based on either the work of a theatre  practitioner or a genre / style of theatre in response to a brief set by the WJEC. Students work in groups of two to five pupils and will be assessed on their acting or design skills as well as the quality of their written evaluation of the task. 

Performing Theatre (Coursework Externally assessed by a visiting examiner) - 20%

Learners participate in a performance based on two ten minute extracts from a performance text of their own choice. Learners will work in groups of two to four performers and will be assessed on either acting or design. This is the opportunity for pupils to showcase their performing skills using excerpts from a play.

Interpreting Theatre (1 ½ hour written examination) - 40%

Pupils will answer a series of questions on the set text Two Faces by Manon Steffan Ros exploring an extract from the script in the role of an actor, director or designer. In addition pupils will also be required to  answer one question that analyses and evaluates a live theatre production that has been viewed during the GCSE course.

How much practical work is there? Lots – but there is also written work.  You will also be expected to rehearse your devising and performing elements in your own time and take part in a range of performances throughout the course both as an individual and as part of a group.  Pupils will have the opportunity to participate in extra curricular activities and would also be supported by staff to set up their own theatre groups. Pupils will be encouraged to perform within class and in public as much as possible.

Other Information

In a highly competitive university and job market potential employers and courses are looking for students who have transferable skills that fit to the role and not just grades that are achieved in an examination. The study of Drama enables pupils to develop many of these skills such as self-management, team work, IT skills, problem solving, presentation skills and communication. Many employers choose Drama graduates because they have experienced many of the skills which define employability.