Specification: AQA

Drama and Theatre Studies A-Level is designed for students who enjoy reading plays and watching or participating in drama - as performers, directors or designers - and who want to develop their skills in one or more of these areas.  One of the attractions of the AQA Drama and Theatre Studies course is the group work that you will find is at the heart of the practical element of the course.

The course develops written, practical, creative and communication skills.  You will extend your ability to create drama, either in a performing or production role or both.  You will aso be required to write about theatre and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic.  The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays, playwrights and theatre practitioners.

Component 1 - Drama & Theatre

You will study two contrasting set texts, examining how plays are put together, their social/cultural/historical significance and the ways in which they can be brought to life on the stage.  Study is through workshops, research, theatre visits and discussion.

You will also study the work of theatre makers through live theatre analysis and evaluation.  We will attend a number of live theatre productions across the two-year course.

40% Written exam 3 hours

Component 2 - Creating Original Drama

You will work with fellow students on the process of devising an orignal piece of drama for presentation to an audience. The piece must be influenced by the methodologies of a prescribed practitioner.

30% Practical and written notebook

Component 3 - Making Theatre

You will work in groups to rehearse and perform extracts from three different published plays.  The methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to 'extract 3'.  You will complete a reflective report analysing the theatrical interpretation of all three extracts.

30% Practical and written notebook

Skills Demanded and Developed

• Ability to form judgements about live theatre based on their understanding of drama and theatre
• Use of subject-specific terminology in a range of contexts
• Performance and/or production skills appropriate to the creation and realisation of drama and theatre
• Ability to work creatively and collaboratively to achieve shared dramatic intentions
• Ability to respond to plays imaginatively, conveying ideas clearly and coherently

The Key Stage 5 Theatre Studies Curriculum Plan can be found at the bottom of the page.

Examinations:

At A level we follow the AQA Specification.

The specification is made up of 3 Components:

• Component 1: Drama and Theatre  (written exam paper - 40% of the qualification)
• Component 2: Creating Original Drama (devising - 30% of the qualification)
• Component 3: Making Theatre (scripted - 30% of the qualification)

Full specification details can be found here.

Career and Higher Education Implications

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies can lead onto further study in Drama as well as in many other subjects.  the course is a good preparation for students who would like to pursue a career in the Arts but it will also help to develop skills that are needed in a wide range of careers.  The practical element of the course will help students to become more confident; it will promote team-building and communication skills, as well as being a lot of fun.

Possible Careers

Enrichment

Various theatre trips.

For further details, please contact Mrs Emma Fraser.

All current plans for sixth form programmes of study at Bishop Stopford School are provisional, dependent on student numbers and government policy.