Drama - GCSE

What will I study in Drama GCSE?

Unit 1: Unit 1 is a written paper which comprises three sections. (40% of overall GCSE)

Section A – Practical work completed during the course (compulsory). You will need to describe a piece of practical performance work to which you have contributed explaining the nature of the activity you have undertaken e.g. acting. You will need to analyse the process and evaluate the effectiveness of your contribution.

And, either

Section B – Study and performance of a scripted play. You will study a scripted play through practical workshops and you will need to have had practical experience of applying your chosen area e.g. acting, either in workshop presentations or full productions of the chosen play. You will then be required to write about your understanding of practical skills and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the chosen play from a performance perspective. You will show an informed knowledge of the social, historical and cultural context of the play, and analyse the effectiveness of your own performance as well as the effectiveness of the production as a whole.

or

Section C – Study of a live theatre production seen. You are required to produce a personal response to various aspects of ‘live’ theatre productions seen during the course. You will study the play before and after the theatre visit. You will then be required to demonstrate your understanding of performance or design or technical skills as well as your knowledge and understanding of the chosen live production from a performance perspective. Your personal response will need to include an analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of the production.

Unit 2 is a practical examination made up of two controlled assessments. (60% of overall GCSE). You will choose two skills, whether they are performance (e.g. acting, improvisation), design (e.g. set, costume) or technical (e.g. lighting, sound). You will work in a group to present for an audience a piece of theatre. Each group is to be self-contained and work and develop their ideas together. They need to respect each other’s ideas and to give and respond to constructive criticism. The presented piece should realise clear dramatic intentions for the audience. Your contribution to the final performance will be assessed as you apply your practical skills to communicate in performance.

How will I be assessed?

Practical work will be assessed in relation to acting or other theatre skills criteria. The Practical Exam is externally assessed by a visiting examiner. The theory is assessed by course work, which is completed under controlled assessment conditions.

Do I need to have studied Drama before?

No, but you should be broadly interested in different aspects of drama, have a good imagination, enjoy performing and working as part of a group.

Who will teach me?

Nick Huntington is a BA (Hons) graduate from The University of Lincoln with a PGCE from The University of Buckingham. Nick is also a professional actor, singer and writer having trained at The Actors Company. He has enjoyed a fruitful career performing on stage as well as having success with one of his own plays when it was produced at The King's Head Theatre in London.

Which subjects complement Drama?

Drama sits well with all ‘Arts’ subjects, in particular English Literature, Media and Film Studies.

Which careers can Drama lead to?

Drama & is suitable for students planning to enter a wide range of careers such as acting and all other aspects of theatre work. It is also suitable for careers where good communication skills are important.