Drama
Drama is not only the study of a very valuable and exciting art form, it also involves elements of politics, psychology, cultural analysis, literature, expression, team-work and communication skills.
Drama develops students performance skills, love of theatre and acting, confidence, the ability to lead and work in a team, it also develops presentation skills that are important in selling yourself as a young professional within both the initial interview processes as well as at further stages in your career.
There are two practical exams: one devised work and the other scripted, both supported by a written portfolio (coursework). For the scripted performance, candidates are examined on their performance and characterisation skills by an external examiner.
Performing is not the only option within the course. The course also allows students to study and be assessed on stage design elements such as set, costume and makeup, lighting, sound and puppet making in either of the practical elements.
What is the exam board and specification?
What will you study?
Throughout the course, you will explore many different dramatic techniques, practitioners as well as investigating themes and issues to advance your understanding of drama, yourself, and the world around you. You will study and explore every aspect of drama: devising, rehearsing, performing, design and directing. The plays you study and explore are from a large range covering different time periods, styles and genres. Within the course, you will also develop your writing skills of analysing and evaluating theatre and the justification of your own creative and performance choices.
How will you be assessed?
Component 1: Devising Theatre – Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 40% of qualification
Learners will be assessed on either acting or design. Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by WJEC. Learners must produce:
- a realisation of their piece of devised theatre
- a portfolio of supporting evidence
- an evaluation of the final performance or design.
Component 2: Performance from text – Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner 20% of qualification
Learners will be assessed on either acting or design. Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre. Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre: Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualification
Section A: Set Text for assessment from 2024 onwards A series of questions on one set text from a choice of seven: 1. Macbeth William Shakespeare 2. An Inspector Calls J.B. Priestley 3. Find Me Olwen Wymark 4. Noughts & Crosses Malorie Blackman, adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz 5. Refugee Boy Benjamin Zephaniah 6. I Love You Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die Mark Wheeller 7. The IT Vivienne Franzmann.
Section B: Live Theatre Review One question, from a choice of two, requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course.
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
If you enjoy working practically as part of a team and challenging yourself with new ideas, roles and techniques then you will enjoy drama. To be successful on this course you need to have a positive “can-do” attitude, confidently work in groups and independently, commit to rehearsals and line learning, be ready to create, explore and push yourself in every practical lesson/ rehearsal and most importantly you need to be patient and resilient: creating, rehearsing and performing is a process, there are no shortcuts to a successful piece of theatre/ performance.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
The skills developed in drama are vital in all walks of life. The ability to work in groups, public speaking, be creative, express yourself and communicate effectively are indispensable and therefore are an attribute and strength to whichever path a student takes for their academic and professional career. Here are some Drama specific examples:
Level 3 Qualifications: A-Level Drama, BTEC Performing Arts
Higher education:
- Drama School – Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, Directing
- University – Acting, Drama, Theatre Studies, Creative Writing, Writing and Directing, Performing Arts, Writing,
Careers:
- Actor
- Broadcast presenter
- Community arts worker
- Dramatherapist
- Runner, broadcasting/film/video
- Theatre director
- Theatre stage manager
- Costume and Make-up
- Playwright
- Arts administrator
- Choreographer
- Further education teacher
- Media researcher
- Music producer
- Secondary school teacher
- Special effects technician
- Talent agent
- Television floor manager
- Theatre manager
Who should I contact for further information?
Mr Bullock j.bullock@kwschool.co.uk