A-Level

Drama & Theatre Studies

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Drama & Theatre Studies

Entry Criteria

English Language GCSE

Grade 4

Drama GCSE

Grade 6

Careers

Studying Drama develops vital skills, and opens up a broad range of potential careers. As a Drama student, you will gain specialist skills in performance, interpreting texts and script analysis. You will also acquire technical theatre and directing skills. The study of Drama will provide you with broad abilities that are in demand across all industries: teamwork, working well under pressure and meeting deadlines, creative/critical thinking skills, presentation, verbal and written communication skills, quick thinking and improvisation, self motivation, to rehearse and continuously develop, negotiation and conflict management. Drama can send you into a career in the Arts, just as it can equip you for the vital communicative, client-facing, and interactive nature of all professions.

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Course ID
AQA 7262
Faculty
Expressive Arts
Department
Drama
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
K. Eustace
Head of Department
K. Messios
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
Drama & Theatre Studies

Course Overview

Unlock your potential on stage and behind the scenes with our AQA A-Level Drama course! This dynamic program is perfect for those who are passionate about theatre and eager to develop their skills in performance, design, analysis, and creative production. Building on the foundation from GCSE, this course pushes students to a new level of artistry, focusing on the work of influential theatre practitioners and engaging deeply with the social, historical, and political contexts that shape powerful performances.

The course is structured into three exciting components:

  1. Drama and Theatre: Through this exam component, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the theatrical process, studying plays, analysing dramatic texts, and exploring a variety of techniques used by professional practitioners to captivate and provoke audiences. This foundation will prepare you to engage with a wide array of material and develop a strong critical eye.
  2. Creating Original Drama: Here, you’ll step into the role of both creator and performer, using the techniques of renowned theatre practitioners to devise original pieces of drama. This is a thrilling chance to bring your own ideas to life, creating work that reflects your unique perspectives and resonates culturally and socially with your audience. It’s an invaluable experience in creative expression, team collaboration, and artistic leadership.
  3. Making Theatre: In this practical component, you’ll take on the challenge of interpreting existing texts and bringing them to life on stage. Working both individually and as part of an ensemble, you’ll deepen your skills in character development, stagecraft, and design, focusing on creating an experience that captivates and engages. The hands-on nature of this component is incredibly rewarding, allowing you to explore the magic of live performance in a way that truly empowers and inspires.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop not only your performance and design abilities but also your capacity for high-level analysis and evaluation. You’ll be expected to reflect critically on your own work and that of others, refining your skills to produce thoughtful, polished coursework and excel in the final exam.

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Component 1 Text: Jerusalem / Antigone.
Component 3: Extract 1.
Practice exam questions.
Written coursework: Extract 1.
Autumn 2 Component 1 Text: Jerusalem / Antigone.
Component 3: Extract 1.
Practice exam questions.
Written coursework: Extract 1.
Spring 1 Component 1 Text: Jerusalem / Antigone.
Component 1: Response to Live Theatre.
Practice exam questions.
Spring 2 Component 2: Devising. Written coursework: Working
Notebook.
Summer 1 Component 1: Revision.
Component 2: Devising.
Practice exam questions.
Written coursework: Working Notebook.
Summer 2 Internal exams.
Component 2: Devising.
Written coursework:
Working Notebook. Practical Assessment.

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Component 3: Extract 2
Component 1 Text: Metamorphosis
Practice exam questions.
Written Coursework: Reflective Report.
Autumn 2 Component 3: Extract 2 / Revision
Component 1 Text: Metamorphosis / Revision
Practice exam questions.
Written Coursework: Reflective Report.
Spring 1 Component 3: Extract 3
Component 3: Extract 3
Written Coursework: Reflective Report. External practical exam.
Spring 2 Revision: Component 1
Component 3: Extract 3
Practice exam questions.
Written coursework: Reflective Report.
Summer 1 Revision: Component 1
Revision: Component 1
Practice exam questions.
Summer 2 ‘A’ Level Examination. ‘A’ Level Examination.

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA Drama; YouTube. The Ferryman (Jez Butterworth). Visit a range of theatres; Whats on Stage. Leadership in Drama – helping in classes, running Year 7 Drama Club. School show. Cabaret evening.

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA Drama; YouTube. Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka); Meditations on Metamorphosis (Steven Berkoff). Visit a range of theatres; Whats on Stage; London Zoo: Bug House. Leadership in Drama – helping in classes, running Year 7 Drama Club. School show. Cabaret evening.