The course aims to develop the skills students have acquired at GCSE level and foster an analytical appreciation of theatre.
Course Details
The course is practical, intellectual and artistic. Students will
be expected to explore the structural elements of theatre from the page to the stage. They will work to develop the skills to analyse and critically deconstruct theatrical performance. The course requires the study of two contrasting set plays and the practical exploration of three others, in addition to developing experience of responding to live theatre and developing devised performance.
Component 1: (40%) Devising
Students use one key extract from a performance text and a theatre practitioner as a stimuli to devise an original performance piece. Design and performance options are available. They will be assessed for the performance/realisation of the design (10%) and for their supporting portfolio
2500 – 3000 words (30%).
Component 2: (20%) Text in Performance
Students work together in groups to stage a key extract from a performance text for a visiting external examiner. Students must also present a monologue or duologue as part of the assessment process. The unit is broken into two sections and in both, if a candidate wishes, design options are available.
Component 3: (40%) Theatre makers in Practice
Synoptic written examination in which students must apply the knowledge they have acquired throughout the course responding to live performance and the study of two set texts.
The examination will contain three sections:
1. A live theatre evaluation.
2. Page to stage: realisation of one key extract from a performance text.
3. Interpreting one complete performance text, in light of one practitioner for a contemporary audience.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Component 1: Performance and portfolio assessed internally by Drama Department staff with video recording and sample portfolios submitted to the Edexcel Examination Board for moderation.
Component 2: Marked externally by visiting Edexcel examiner.
Component 3: Written examination marked externally.
Entry requirements
Students should be motivated, independent learners with excellent organizational skills. They will need to have a keen interest in the history of drama and the study of practitioners, theatrical forms and conventions that make theatre such a compelling and exciting subject. Students must also be competent performers or designers and be able to work collaboratively in groups.
The entrance requirements for this course are Grade 6 or above in GCSE Drama or Grade 6 in GCSE English. Prior experience of working on productions, membership of youth theatres, drama companies and dance clubs is also an advantage. The course aims to develop the skills students have acquired at GCSE and foster an analytical appreciation of theatre.
