Drama and Theatre

Subject Mission Statement

Within Drama we aim to celebrate, encourage and nurture the development of students’ creativity, skill base and knowledge of Drama and Theatre.

Overview

Student learning at KS5 continues the strands of creating, performing and responding whilst refining the academic aspects of the subject. The A Level in Drama and Theatre is a practical, engaging, and creative course. It will provide learners with opportunities to cross-examine drama and the work of others, to explore a range of theatrical genre and styles as a practical and theoretical art form, and to work independently to create their own drama performances making informed artistic choices.

The main purpose of this qualification is to study drama and theatre in an academic setting; interrogating this art form and applying knowledge and understanding to the process of creating and developing drama and theatre. This will be in the form of their own written documentation and performance work. This course provides a fantastic opportunity to ignite and engage creativity, passion and interests. It provides freedom to experiment and take risks with their work whilst working on developing their own style.

There will be opportunity for theatre visits and trips, professionally led workshops, links with local theatrical organisations and Arts University, watch performances and work with current students’ or professionals, and work experience placements during the course. Students also have the opportunity to start or continue private Drama tuition during enrichment time, with the choice of taking LAMDA exams in Acting which can contribute extra points to their University UCAS applications.

KS5 Intent Statement

Our KS5 Curriculum allows learners the opportunity to develop research skills, they problem solve through exploring, experimenting and working collaboratively using effective analysis, evaluation and communication skills. Preparing for final performances students improve their independence, sense of responsibility and confidence. These developed transferrable skills at KS5 enhances students’ adaptability preparing them for Higher Education and employment.  

The Performing ArtsCurriculum at KS5 is enhanced by extra-curricular opportunities available to students at this level including theatre visits and trips to watch live performance and theatre tours back stage, collaborations and workshops with professional practitioners and arts organisations. Student’s independence is encouraged through leading enrichment, extra-curricular activities and participation in the whole school productions. Students are also invited to attend the Senior Drama Company and entre the biannual National Theatre Connections competition.

Working towards events and performances also develops students ability to organize their own group rehearsals outside of lessons with their peers, or by promoting ownership of their progress theoretically by utilising coursework drop in sessions.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: OCR
Qualification Title: Drama & Theatre A Level
Qualification Specification Code: H459
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the OCR webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

In Year 1 we cover two components, component one ‘Practitioners in Practice’ - which consists of practical workshop exploration in the style of two practitioners, development of the students own original performance work and written coursework. The other is component three ‘Analysing Performance’ - paper one and is examination based and a focus for the year 12 mocks.

In Year 2 component four ‘Deconstructing Texts for Performance’ - paper two is covered. The scripted exam component two ‘Exploring and Performing Texts’ - is also taken and externally marked by a visiting examiner.

 

Possible Career Paths

To prepare KS5 students for future learning and careers they have opportunities to work with professional practitioners and Performing Arts Companies, taking part in various workshops either in school or off site in professional settings. There is a multitude of diverse opportunities to access careers and job roles within and beyond the performing arts sector: Drama and Theatre, performance, design and/or academic related degrees, Theatre, TV or Film Performance or Production, Design Technicians utalising design and art courses: set, props, costume, lighting, and sound, Drama or Dance Therapy, Drama Teaching in the private or public sectors, Events Management, Journalism, Media and Marketing.

In addition to the Performing Arts sector specific content, this qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop all-round performance skills and desirable transferable skills to offer a vast range of industries.

Who should I speak to if I need further information?

Mrs A. Wills