A Level Drama

There is a kind of invisible thread between actor and the audience, when it is there, it’s stunning and there is nothing to match it.
Dame Maggie Smith (Actor)

At the advanced level, students are inspired to become independent learners, developing skills they will need to go on to higher education. The syllabus emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience and will gain many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable.

Course overview

Drama inspires students to become independent learners with the skills they need to go on to higher education, whether that is to study a course in drama and theatre or another subject. This qualification emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, and will gain many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand their horizons.

Course content

We will follow the AQA 7262 syllabus in which there are 3 components; Component 2 is internally assessed in Year 12, Components 1 and 3 are externally assessed in Year 13.

Component 1: Drama and Theatre (written examination 40%) – you will study 2 set texts; Hedda Gabler by Ibsen and Yerma by Lorca. You will also learn how to respond as an informed audience member when viewing live theatre. You will go on several theatre trips* for this component.

Component 2: Creating original drama (practical 30%) – you will create your own devised piece of theatre, influenced by the work of a recognised theatre practitioner such as Augusto Boal or Frantic Assembly. You may contribute as a performer, designer or director. You will keep a working notebook of your process, which will be handed in to be marked, after the final (assessed) performance.

Component 3: Making Theatre (practical 30%) – you will work on practically exploring 3 different extracts from three different plays. You will present 1 extract for performance as a final assessed piece to a visiting examiner. This piece must have been influenced by the work of a different recognised practitioner. You may contribute as a performer, designer or director. You will also submit a reflective report on your work on all 3 extracts.

Assessment

Component 1: Drama and Theatre – 3 hour written examination, 40%. Open book.

Component 2: Creating original drama – practical performance, 10%, working notebook, 20%.

Component 3: Making Theatre – practical performance, 20% Reflective report, 10%.

Career opportunities

Students of Drama develop skills that are applicable to a wide range of careers. Drama refines students’ collaborative skills, their analytical thinking and their approach to research. Students grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on decision making. Beyond the Stage, Technical Production, TV and Film, Drama students are well suited to: