Drama

What will I study at Key stage 4?

The course is practical in content and all theory will be learned in context. The emphasis will be on using as many styles and forms of drama as possible.

There is no defined content to this examination other than the range of skills and techniques you will develop through the exploration of drama. It is intended that the process of creating drama and responding to scripts needs to be carefully noted and analysed as an ongoing commentary. Investigation and evaluation work will be set as homework. Workshops around units of drama exploration are prescribed. Video footage of your performance work will go alongside the portfolio of evidence for the final mark.

1. Devising – group and solo work through improvisation based on poems, headlines, text, script, photograph and other media.
2. Issues – exploration around themes such as oppression, racism, unemployment, youth culture and war.
3. Scripted Work – excerpts from a variety of scripts across time spans and cultures. At least one full length play script to be studied from the perspectives of director, designer and performer.
4. Performance – approaches to characterisation; developing use of voice, gesture, pace, tension, symbol, space contrast; directing and rehearsal techniques.
5. Genre – working in the style of melodrama, silent movie, documentary from classical to modern including physical theatre, dance and musical.
6. Theatre craft – be familiar with lighting, make up, costume set, sound and staging,

What assessments will I do?

There are two examination papers:
Paper One - coursework – backed up with written commentary in a portfolio 60%
Paper Two - Drama performance – externally examined as part of a group 40%

Why should I do Drama?

It’s fun. There probably isn’t a more exciting way to be examined than though live performance. Performing brings a rush of adrenaline and an immense feeling of achievement. Rehearsing takes patience and energy. You need to be enthusiastic, imaginative and willing to work hard as part of a team. These organisational skills are vital in the world of work. Your future career may even lie in the entertainment world. Exploring plays will enhance your approach to literature and improve your understanding of human relationships. You will be exploring important issues but in imaginative works.

If you are wondering whether you have the confidence to do Drama at GCSE, probably yes. It will give you the confidence to be an effective communicator, to trust in yourself, to value your ideas and those of others.

What courses or employment can I progress to at the end of my course?