Drama GCSE

Head of Department: Ms J Menczer

In Drama, our pupils explore, develop and express ideas and concepts. Through studying this subject, they have opportunities to develop skills such as teamwork, creativity, respect, empathy, leadership and risk-taking.

 

If you would like to view related Key Stage 5 courses, please click the links below:

A Level - Drama & Theatre Studies

 

Key Stage 3

Detailed curriculum information can be viewed in the documents which can be downloaded from this page.

Key Stage 4

What is Drama GCSE?

We thrive as an exciting, highly creative and enjoyable subject within the school. The outstanding level of achievement accomplished by our students is the result of inspirational teaching and the wide range of opportunities made available to them. The extensive extra-curricular activities on offer help to support our students in the classroom, enriching their learning and life experience and improving discipline, confidence, creativity and self-motivation.

What skills will I develop?

Students are encouraged to be physically active and imaginative, and to share their creative ideas and opinions with others. In GCSE Drama, the majority of lessons are delivered as practical workshops, teaching students skills such as performing, devising, improvisation, interpretation of texts, exploration of topics, and the technical knowledge required to transform both scripts and their own creative ideas into pieces of performance.

Which syllabus will I follow?

GCSE Drama – Pearson Edexcel (9-1)

What will the course look like?

The subject content for GCSE Drama will require candidates to study one complete performance text plus two additional key extracts from a second play. Pupils’ ability to apply their understanding and analysis of the complete performance text to create practical ideas for performance, direction and technical design will be assessed through a written examination. Candidates will also participate in two performances, one devised and one text based. The devised piece will be created in response to a stimulus and will require pupils to implement the understanding of different theatrical styles, genres and practitioners they have accrued during the course.

What homework will I get?

Every week there is at least one homework task set. These tasks will include research projects, learning lines, creative writing and written reflection on the practical exploration. Formal assessments occur throughout the year, at least once every half term.

How will I be assessed?

The course is made up of three components, each of which relate to a different theoretical aspect of the course content:

Component 1: Devising paper - 40% Practical examination (15 marks) with written coursework (45 marks)

Component 2: Performance from Text - 20% performance examination

Component 3: Theatre Practitioners - 40% written examination

What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?

This GCSE qualification will of course lend itself to Theatre Studies or Performing Arts courses at A Level or BTEC. It also allows students the opportunity to develop a range of key personal skills and attributes that are integral to many other areas of study: these include presentational skills, confidence, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.

Beyond GCSE and post-16 studies, university statistics show that Drama graduates have one of the highest employment rates; this is because the subject develops self-confidence and produces well-rounded, articulate people who can adapt their behaviour to suit changing circumstances and approach tasks with a creative mindset.

Are there any entry requirements for this course?

There are no requirements to access the course. However, a willingness to perform and to apply theoretical studies to practical exploration is critical to success in Drama GCSE.

If I need additional support, what can I access?

We offer a series of GCSE surgery sessions where students get one-to-one support from the teaching staff with a focus on coursework and controlled assessment preparation.

We also staff after school rehearsals for the practical examination work, as well as a series of revision sessions in preparation for the written examination.

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