Drama GCSE

Exam Board: Edexcel

The GCSE Drama course allows candidates to develop an insight into and an understanding of a wide range of Drama based activities including: • Devised Theatre • Study of and performance from script • Physical Theatre • Non-naturalism • Realism Drama is an exciting, creative and challenging course and has been designed to encourage creativity, focusing on practical skills whilst the supporting written work supports progression and the further study of drama. Candidates are given the opportunity to develop an understanding and working knowledge of: • Different genres and styles of theatre • A range of stage and performance techniques • Appropriate Drama vocabulary and how to use it • How to create devised and scripted theatre for a range of audiences and purposes • How to create, interpret and communicate a variety of characters in performance • The study of plays and playwrights • The ability to study and write about practical work in progress, personal performance, plays and live theatre performance.

Are you a creative thinker? Can you work with other people? Are you willing to take risks? Are you determined and hard working? Are you interested in creating theatre? Do you find live theatre exciting? Do you want to perform in front of audiences? Are you prepared to write in depth about the work you are involved in and the plays we go to see?

How the course is assessed

Component 1: Devised performance & supporting written portfolio: 40% Component 2: Scripted performance: 20% Component 3: Written Examination 40%

Suitable Candidates

This is a challenging practical course supported by a heavy written element. Candidates need to have a keen interest in developing skills in improvisation, reading and performing scripts and creating devised theatre and be prepared to give time out of school for compulsory theatre visits, and rehearsing with your group in preparation for examined performances. There will be a cost for theatre visits; the school will provide support for students if this is an issue.

Post 16 Progression Routes

AS and A level Theatre Studies AS and A level Performing Arts BTEC Performing Arts

Student Comments

“Drama is much more challenging than I imagined. You’ve got to really want to succeed and be prepared to put in extra rehearsal time in order to do well. Learning is fun in Drama but it’s also demanding and the expectations are high. There is more written work than I expected so this is a course for people who can express themselves through practical and written work.”