Course Title Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatre

Examination Board Edexcel

Subject Code A Level Award 9DR0

Course Content

The course is designed for students who enjoy exploring plays practically as well as understanding the context of when and why they were written. Students will learn about drama and theatre studies from numerous aspects; as directors, designers and performers.

The course is made up of three components. Component One consists of the study of one complete performance text and one theatre practitioner. Students will use this as a starting point to devise their own original performance in a group (80 marks – 40%). Component Two requires students to study two contrasting texts from a performers’ perspective. They will then perform a monologue/duologue from one key extract from the first text and a group performance from one key extract from the second text (60 marks – 20%). Component Three consists of a written examination lasting 2 hours 30 minutes. This takes the form of 4 questions split between three sections; a live theatre review, a response to one text from the point of view as a performer and designer and a response to a further text from a director’s perspective, using a practitioners influence (80 marks – 40%).

Assessment

Component one comprises of a portfolio (3000 words) and a devised performance. This component is internally assessed and externally moderated. Component two is the practical examination and is assessed by a visiting examiner. Component three is a written examination and therefore externally assessed.

Outline:

Component One: Devising (9DR0/01) – coursework and practical performance.

Component Two: Text in Performance (9DR0/02) – practical performance.

Component Three: Theatre Makers in Practice (9DR0/03) – written examination.

Future Progression

Progression to the further study of drama falls mainly into 2 pathways post-18: a traditional university based drama degree or a drama school based professional training course, many of which are to degree level.

Nine of the Russell Group Universities offer Drama or Drama and Theatre Studies with a range of grade requirements from BBB to AAA. The Russell Group Universities are looking for an A Level in Drama and Theatre Studies with some requiring an A grade in an essay based subject such as English, History or Politics. General Studies is not accepted.

The Conference of Drama Schools admits students on the basis of an audition process. Some also require additional entry requirements such as 64 points or 2 A Level passes at Grade C, but the main focus of admission is the potential for training, and therefore future employment in the industry, assessed at audition.

To succeed in Drama

Working at Grade 6 or above in GCSE Drama is beneficial. Students who did not take GCSE Drama will be invited to an informal audition during summer term. A proven record of interest in drama whilst at KS3 and 4 through extra-curricular involvement in drama clubs, productions etc. is also desirable. Students would benefit from researching the following theatre practitioners in preparation for their A Level course: Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, Berkoff, Comlicite, Frantic Assembly, Forced Entertainment.