Drama and Theatre Studies

A-Level

Examination Board: WJEC Eduqas

Specification: 601/8554/5

Course Leader: Ms J Arrow

Contact Email: jarrow@tgschool.net

It’s so fun to do, all of the work is enjoyable, even the theory! Working with an amazing group of other people feels so good, because everybody wants to be there and contribute in lessons. The practitioners are cool to study as they all look at totally different unique things. If you’re considering stepping up to A-level I 100% recommend it! It’s just so enjoyable and half the time it doesn’t feel like work, it’s just fun! Caitlyn Y12

Are you interested in:

  • Performance - Working in groups in a creative context?

  • Developing strong communication skills?

  • Musical theatre?

  • Learning about how plays are structured?

What Will I Study?

A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies offers a highly practical and challenging course which fully prepares students for the rigors of Higher Education. The specification is designed to promote an excellent balance between practical devising and theoretical exploration. While there is a considerable focus on practical theatre, students should be aware that this combines with analytical and written components.

Component 1: Theatre Workshop (either acting or design) – Students participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text chosen from a list supplied by the exam board. The piece is developed using techniques from either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company. They will produce a creative log to accompany their performance.

Component 2: Text in Action (either acting or design) – Students participate in the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus provided by the exam board. One will be a devised piece of theatre, using either an influential practitioner or theatre company and the other is an extract from a text in a different style. Students produce a process and evaluation report following their performance to an external examiner.

Component 3: Text in Performance (written exam) – Students will study two different texts from different time periods: one pre 1956 and one post 1956. Students will then answer two questions about the two plays under timed examination conditions. Students will also study the play Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and will answer a question based on a chosen extract from that play under timed examination conditions.

Additional Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language and GCSE Drama (although not essential).

NB: Students who have not taken GCSE Drama will be considered. Students must have an interest in theatre and plays as well as performing and would benefit from being involved with the annual school production.

Assessment

Assessed workshops, performance, written coursework and written examination.

Leading to futures in:

Drama students progress into a diverse range of further education, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities. These include joining professional drama companies, working in theatre, television, or film production, and pursuing careers in stage management, lighting and set design, or arts administration.

Department Staff

Ms J Arrow (JAR) Head of Performing Arts