Drama & Theatre Studies

Examining Board AQA

Subject Content

Essentially to study drama at A Level you would need a passion for the theatre and play reading and the ability to work successfully in a team. This A level has the best of both worlds, covering both the practical elements and theory in the form of a written exam.

Methods of Study

SET TEXT – this will include play reading, practical assignments, genre work and test essays. Students will also undertake character studies, design work, improvisations and time lines.

THEATRE VISITS – students will produce written reviews, take part in group discussions and note taking.

Methods of Assessment

AS Examination

UNIT ONE: Dram 1: Theatre production seen and prescribed play

  • 60% of the total AS mark
  • 30% of the total A level mark
  • 1 hour 30 minutes written exam
  • One question from each section
  • Section A response to live theatre
  • Section B set play “Oh what a lovely war” by Joan Littlewood

UNIT TWO: Dram 2: Presentation of an extract from a play

  • 40% of the total AS mark
  • 20% of the total A level mark
  • Practical performance
  • 80 marks
  • Performance by a group of a published play extract
  • Students marked on preparation, development and performance work.

A2 Examination

UNIT THREE: Further prescribed plays

  • 30% of the total A level mark
  • 2 hour written paper
  • Study of 2 set plays
  • Section A “The Servant of Two Masters” by Goldoni.
  • Section B “Blood Wedding” by Lorca

UNIT FOUR: Presentation of Devised Drama

  • 20% of the total A level mark
  • 80 marks
  • Performance of devised drama as a group of students, marked on; preparation, development and performance.

Students choosing this subject should be happy expressing a desire to widen their experience of theatre, both as a spectator and in an active role.

You will have the chance to develop your individual acting and/or design skills and work as part of a close-knit team. At the same time you will learn a lot about the theory of the subject, which will enhance your appreciation of performances that you watch.

The academic content of the subject is high and will consist both of formal written tasks and your own individual research, where your own initiative will be of vital importance. Remember that this course can be very rewarding both intellectually and in terms of enjoyment experienced along the way; the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it!

  • Practical Drama Work:Teacher assessed and graded externally.
  • Written Papers: externally set and marked.

Entry Requirements

Usually GCSE Drama, a love of the theatre. An ability to work independently and as part of a team.

An ability to perform in front of an audience and a willingness to give up own time to develop work further through practical rehearsals.

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