Drama

Overview

Introduction

Studying Drama GCSE inspires creativity and confidence, develops transferable skills and provides a qualification with a practical focus at heart.

Qualification

GCSE

Awarding body

Pearson Edexcel

Course leader

Mrs N Gough

Assessment

Examination: 40%
- Component 3: Theatre makers in practice | 1 hour 45 mins | 40%
Non-examined assessment: 60%
- Component 1: Devising | performance of 10-25 mins | 40%
- Component 2: Performance from a text | performance of 4-30 mins | 20%

Curriculum

Course content

Component 1 - Devising

Completed at the end of Year 10. Students explore and learn a range of devising skills in order to create their own performances successfully. They learn about new theatrical styles, techniques, and practitioners to enhance their work.

They explore a myriad of different stimuli to practise devising their own work which will facilitate the creation of their final performance. This will be recorded and sent off to a moderator to mark. Alongside their practical work, they complete a 2000 word portfolio which will analyse their devising process and creative decisions.

Component 2 – Performance from a text

This component is completed at the start of Year 11. Students learn how to stage a script and perform two scenes from a published play text in front of a GCSE examiner.

Component 3 - Theatre makers in practice

Completed at the end of Year 11. Students practically learn about the plot, characters and core themes of the play text 1984 by George Orwell. They learn technical terminology for staging aspects of theatre such as lighting, sound, set and costume designs. This will then help them apply this knowledge to answer the GCSE examination questions.

In addition to this students go to see a piece of live theatre and analyse the overall effectiveness of the performance, focusing on both acting skills and technical theatre. They again answer questions about this in their GCSE examination.

Skills and requirements

Skills required

To be successful in Drama GCSE you will need the skills below throughout the course: High levels of confidence with a willingness to share performances in front of peers. Ability to work with others. Analysis and problem solving skills. A good ability in English literature and language which will be needed for the written elements of the GCSE. Creativity and imagination. Empathy to be able to understand your character’s story and journey.

Beyond the classroom

Future pathways

Drama GCSE can lead to many potential careers, such as:

stage manager
drama therapist
playwright
broadcaster
actor (film or stage)
director
radio
lawyer
social worker
events organiser
teacher
journalist