DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES
We explore A Level Drama and Theatre Studies as a practical, intellectual and artistic subject. Students can expect to learn a wide range of drama and theatre skills throughout the course. Our syllabus combines exploration of plays, creation and performance of theatre and critical analysis.
At both AS and A2, learning outcomes of the course will give the students knowledge and understanding of:
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how performers, designers and directors communicate meaning to an audience
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theatre practice through their own engagement with the medium as both participant andinformed audience member
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the appropriate vocabulary and specialist terminology for the subject
AS assessments:
Unit 1
This unit is divided into two sections. Section A requires candidates’ personal response to various aspects of live theatre seen during the course. Candidates must answer one question on a live production seen.
Section B requires candidates to answer one question on a set play. Questions are focused on the interpretation of the play from a performance perspective. Candidates are required to answer from the viewpoint of an actor, director or designer.
Assessment of Unit 1 takes the form of a written examination comprising 60% of AS and 30% of the A level as a whole.
Unit 2
Candidates are required to work in groups to present for an audience an extract from a published play of their choice. Their interpretation of the chosen extract should be influenced by the work of an influential practitioner be s/he director, designer or actor.
Unit 2 assessment takes the form of a practical performance comprising 40% of AS and 20% of the A level as a whole.
A2 assessments:
Unit 3
This unit is divided into two sections. Section A involves the interpretation of a twentieth century play from a performance perspective. Candidates are required to demonstrate a creative overview of their chosen play in answer to questions which may require a director’s, actor’s or designer’s perspective.
In section B candidates are required to offer suggestions for a complete stage realisation of an extract from a set play, demonstrating their ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre acquired in different aspects of the course.
Unit 3 takes the form of a written examination and comprises 30% of the A level
Unit 4
Candidates are required to work in groups to present for an audience a devised drama, performed in a theatrical style of their choice. Styles are from a host of genres such as naturalism, physical theatre, epic theatre, commedia, tragedy, and comedy amongst others. Obviously the choice of genre will depend upon the number of students in the group as a whole.
Unit 4 takes the form of a practical performance and comprises 20% of the A level.
A Level Drama and Theatre Studies is a lively and creative course. It involves learning from a rich array of Theatre history and genre. As well as developing the students’ learning and experience of the art form in itself, skills of communication, analysis, presentation and collaboration are nurtured; thus preparing the student for life after the Study.
Mrs J Hutchence BA (Hons), PGCE
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