Examining Board AQA
AS Examination 5241
UNIT ONE Practical – Devised Drama
- 40% of the total AS mark
- 20% of the total A level mark
- Performance by a group of a devised piece of drama inspired by the AS Subject content.
- Internally assessed and externally moderated.
UNIT TWO Written (1 ½ hours) – Approaches to Text
- 30% of the total AS mark
- 15% of the total A level mark
- Study of two set plays.
- Externally set and assessed.
UNIT THREE Written (11/2 hours) – Theatre in Practice
- 30% of the total AS mark
- 15% of the total A level mark
- Section A: Study of one theatre practitioner prescribed for AS.
- Section B: Response to live theatre seen during the course.
- Externally set and assessed.
A2 Examination 6241
UNIT FOUR Practical – Play in Production
- 20% of the total AS level mark
- Performance by a group of part of a play text.
- Internally assessed and externally moderated.
- Synoptic.
UNIT FIVE Written (1 ½ hours) – Text into Performance
- 15% of the total A level mark
- Study of two further set plays.
- Externally set and assessed.
UNIT SIX Written (2 ½ hours) – Theory into Practice
- 15% of the total A level mark
- Section A: Study of one theatre practitioner prescribed for A2 applied to productions seen or candidates’ own practical production.
- Section B: Interpretation of an extract or extracts from an unseen.
In opting for Theatre Studies, you are expressing a desire to widen your 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 Group Work AS ‘Devised’ A2 ‘Scripted’
- Portfolio AS 2000 words A2 3000 words
METHODS OF STUDY
SET TEXT:
- play reading, practical assignment, genre work, test essays, character studies, design work,
improvisations, time lines.
PRACTITIONERS:
- tests of theories, application of knowledge in practical workshops, theatre visits.
THEATRE VISITS:
- written reviews, group discussions, note taking.
UNSEEN EXTRACTS:
- reading of numerous extracts of plays, identification of genres, playwrights, drama
techniques, test essays.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
- Practical Drama Work and Portfolio
- Teacher assessed and graded externally.
- Written Papers
- Externally set and moderated.
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 …….. practical rehearsals.