Drama & Theatre Studies (EDEXCEL)

Entry Requirements

Candidates should have gained at least a grade 6 at GCSE Drama. If you have not taken the GCSE, you will need to have achieved at least a grade 6 in English Literature and have an interview with the Director of Drama to determine your suitability for the course.

Course Content

Component 1: Devised Performance Practical Performance Value 40%

Students collaboratively devise an original piece of drama inspired by a specific theatre practitioner or theatre company and perform it in the Centenary Theatre. Previous practitioners/theatre companies have included: Frantic Assembly, Kneehigh and Dario Fo. Each student nominates one ‘skill’ as their area for assessment with most students choosing to act but other skills include stage design, lighting or sound. Each student completes an individual portfolio of supporting notes.

Component 2: Scripted Performance Practical Performances Value 20%

Group Performance/Design realisation:- Students work in a small group to collaboratively produce and perform an extract from a published play. Each student nominates one ‘skill’ as their area for assessment (Most students choose to act but other skills include stage design, lighting or sound)

Monologue or Duologue:- Each student performs in a monologue or duologue of their own free choice. Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice Written Examination Value 40%

This component is taught through a mixture of practical and theory lessons over the two year course.The written paper is divided into three sections:• Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation (20 marks) • Section B: Page to Stage: Realising a Performance Text (36 marks) • Section C: Interpreting a Performance Text (24 marks)

Drama and Theatre Studies at Berkhamsted

This well-established and popular subject is supported by excellent facilities and staff including the 500 seat Centenary Theatre, intimate studio theatre spaces and two full time theatre technicians specialising in lighting and sound. Classwork is enriched by workshops led by invited professional practitioners. Students also have the opportunity to become involved with co-curricular drama, notably the main Sixth Form production at the end of the first term. Visits to both London and local theatres are an integral part of the course and help to inspire and motivate students to achieve their full capabilities.

Future Prospects

In an increasingly competitive world, speech and communication skills are becoming more and more important. Throughout the A Level course students will have developed their speech and communication skills, their self-confidence and their ability to work as part of a team. Whatever career or degree course a student chooses the experience of studying Drama and Theatre Studies at A Level will be of tremendous value, as it develops transferable skills that are invaluable in the modern working environment.

The Edinburgh Festival Trip

The highlight for many is the biennial trip to the Edinburgh Festival where we perform a full-scale production over the course of a week. The most recent production of Moliere’s ’The Miser’ was a tremendous success. We are next planning to visit the Edinburgh Festival in the August of 2023.