Drama and Theatre – Wickersley Sixth Form

DRAMA AND THEATRE

QUALIFICATION

A Level

EXAM BOARD

Edexcel

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language or English Literature. GCSE Drama or Level 2 BTEC Performing Arts is desirable. Practical suitability is undertaken in the first weeks.

COURSE LEADER

Mr A Hart

SUBJECT TEACHERS

Mr A Lancashire

Mrs H Watts

WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?

You should choose Drama and Theatre if you enjoy performing plays, portraying different characters and enjoy a practical-based subject. You should have excellent group work skills and also be prepared to study written texts and write about your own ideas in detail.

Your studies in Drama will be particularly complemented by work in English Literature, Film Studies or Psychology. Dance and Music students have successfully used their skills in Drama work. You do not necessarily need to have taken Drama at GCSE. You may have other performance experience or want to try something new. The important thing is to be confident about performing to an audience and be open-minded about exploring new ways of working.

WHAT DOES THIS QUALIFICATION COVER?

This course is an examination of Drama and Theatre throughout history and requires you to develop your skills as a director, designer and performer. Whilst the work is very much performance-focused, students must also be prepared to undertake independent research and develop an understanding of how theatre relates to the societies and time frames in which it was, and is, created.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Throughout the course, you will be given the opportunity to study and explore two set play texts – That Face & Hedda Gabler – which explore theatre’s development throughout different areas of history. You will also develop your knowledge of theatre styles by exploring theatre practitioners in more depth.

You will be given the opportunity to perform contemporary or period texts in group and paired performances under the guidance of a teacher director for an examiner and an invited audience. You will also apply the skills and knowledge of a drama practitioner – Kneehigh Theatre Company – to devise your own performance based on the themes and issues explored in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

Our annual A Level London Theatre Trip in January includes two workshops with professional actors, a tour of a working theatre and two West End Shows, usually a drama and a musical. Previous productions we have seen include The Woman in Black, One Man Two Guvnors, Witness for the Prosecution, War Horse and Wicked. Responding to live performances is also a requirement of the written exam.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will be assessed through written coursework, practical performance examination and written examination. The course demands practical, creative and communication skills.

WHERE CAN IT LEAD?

Drama and Theatre can lead to further study in drama, theatre studies and performing arts in higher education at degree or HND level or drama school. It may lead on to a career in the performing arts industries, teaching, journalism, writing, leisure, social work or any number of careers which require developed communication and presentation skills as well as the ability to be both analytical and creative.

COURSE MATERIALS

Students are advised to buy their own copies of these two set texts:

SUBJECTS