Drama and Theatre

2021-2023 Specification: Head of Department: Eduqas Drama and Theatre Mrs Emma Farrell

Who should study this course?

If you enjoy working as a team and creatively collaborating then this course is perfect for you. It requires a bit of ‘outside the box’ thinking and an ability to push the boundaries and try something new. You will be amazed by what you can achieve! The written element of the course links beautifully with English and suits pupils who enjoy studying literature and analysing characters. Drama and theatre demands a wide range of skills including essay writing, research, analysis, teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment to the subject, as pupils will often be required to rehearse beyond timetabled lesson time. This course would suit pupils with a strong GCSE performance in both drama and English.

What will I be studying?

Pupils will gain a knowledge and understanding of theatre practice through their study of set texts and live productions. Candidates will research and develop performance or production skills appropriate to the creation and realisation of theatre. Candidates will demonstrate a more advanced level of skills alongside an ability to think independently, make judgments and refine their work in the light of research. They will also demonstrate the ability to analyse the ways in which different performance and production elements are brought together to create quality theatre.

How will I be assessed?

Year 12:

Theatre Workshop (20% internal assessment) • Reinterpretation of an extract from a text • Extract from a text influenced by a practitioner • Creative log

Text in Performance • Set text chosen from a list provided • Open book, clean copies

Year 13:

Text in Action (40% externally assessed) • Devised performances based on a stimulus • Performance in the style of a practitioner • Evaluative coursework performance of a scripted piece influenced by a practitioner

Text in Performance • Section A - Set text, open book, pre-1956 • Section B - Set text, open book, post-1956 • Section C - Closed book, ‘The Curious

Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

What next?

Some pupils have progressed into some of the most prestigious acting schools in the UK. Several Shiplake alumni are working in various plays around the country. However, for the majority this is an opportunity to push themselves beyond their comfort zone in such a way that it proves to universities or future employers that they are accomplished public performers with very good analytical skills. As such it keeps many doors open for the future.