A-LEVEL DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES - EDEXCEL

Introduction: Aims of the specification

This qualification is designed to enable students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the language of Drama and Theatre as well as developing their performing and analytical skills. The qualification bridges the gap from GCSE to AS by focussing on the development of a wide range of practical skills and the evaluation of Drama, Theatre and performance style.

Assessment Framework:

AS Unit 1 - Exploration of Drama and Theatre 40% (AS) 20% GCE

Unit 2 - Theatre Text in Performance 60% (AS) 30% GCE

In the AS year the focus is upon practically exploring a number of published plays from the points of view of the playwright, performer, theatre designer, theatre director and critic.

A2 Unit 3 - Exploration of Dramatic Performance 40% (A2) 20% GCE

Unit 4 – Theatre Text in Context 60% (A2) 30% GCE

At A2 students are able to apply their knowledge to the development of their own creative work including devising a performance and writing about their approach to directing a text and their understanding of one historical period in the development of Drama and Theatre.

Description of Teaching and Learning:

Unit 1 - Internally assessed and externally moderated through video and written coursework.

The exploration of two different plays and relevant theatre practitioners, including practical workshops and presentations of student work in progress, student research and the writing of exploratory notes, visits to the theatre and at least one written evaluation of a live performance.

Unit 2 - Externally assessed by visiting examiner

The demonstration of acting or design skills in a tutor directed performance, duologue or monologue, including activities such as workshop and auditions, reading through and developing character, rehearsing a role, responding to direction, technical rehearsals, and performing.

Unit 3 - Internally assessed and externally moderated through video and written coursework.

The research and practical development of a performance to a pre-identified audience, including devising and rehearsing, developing and using directing skills, keeping rehearsal records and writing an evaluation of the work in progress and the final performance.

Unit 4 - Externally assessed by written examination

The detailed practical and theoretical study of one set play text from the point of view of the director and the study of one prescribed historical period of theatrical development. Preparation for the examination will include annotating the set text and developing comparison and evaluation notes on a contemporary production of one play from the chosen historical period of theatrical development.

Links to Future Careers

Students who complete this course successfully will not only have developed the analytical and creative skills to study Drama and Theatre in Higher Education, but will also possess the transferable skills of communication, confidence, co-operation and self-discipline. These skills are not only invaluable in all employment areas of the performing arts, performance and administration, but are essential skills in a wide range of occupations.

Higher Education Successes of Former Students

Successful students have gone on to study for degrees in Drama (Single and joint honours), Theatre and Performing Arts, Technical Theatre and Arts Administration at a range of universities including Aberystwyth, Cumbria, De Montfort, Edge Hill, Leeds (Bretton Hall) Liverpool Hope, LIPA, Liverpool JMU, Salford and Middlesex.