“Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.”Alan Rickman
Our aim is to focus on developing our students’ sense of creativity and adventure.
Whether in a School Production, a lesson or a lunchtime activity, we would hope that our students can engage with Drama in a way that makes them comfortable and confident with others and yet also allows them the freedom individually to explore ideas, debate issues and express themselves with enthusiasm and intelligence.
Sixth Form Drama Scholarships are awarded to pupils who can demonstrate skill, competence and commitment to the subject and who will also help to promote the department on a wider Level throughout the school.
A level
The Drama and Theatre Studies course aims to encourage pupils to develop their interest and enjoyment of drama and theatre through both audience experiences and the development of theatre skills in their own practical work. It also seeks to enhance pupils ’ knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural context of drama and theatre through the detailed study of dramatic texts and the work of prescribed theatre practitioners. Additionally, the course aims to cultivate pupils ’ ability to respond critically and sensitively to a range of drama texts and theatre performances. While teamwork is a vital part of the course, independent learning is equally essential, and regular visits to theatre productions are a compulsory component.
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: AQA, Code: 7262
- Component 1: Study of plays and live theatre (Written exam: 3 hours, 40% of the qualification)
- Component 2: Creating original drama (Practical, 30% of the qualification)
- Component 3: Making Theatre (Practical, 30% presentation of text based Drama)
Whilst Units 2 and 3 are essentially practical, candidates have to produce working notebooks documenting and analysing the stages of preparation as a core part of the assessment.
Throughout the course, pupils are required to make connections between different theatrical approaches and dramatic forms, and to comment analytically on their significance.
Co-Curricular
There are opportunities to run junior clubs and take senior roles in school productions. Theatre trips are frequent and are intended to improve subject understanding and also foster strong relationships within the group.
Careers & Higher Education
Drama and Theatre Studies A Level combines well with English, DT, Art, Music, History and Modern Languages and offers a valuable broadening experience for Mathematics and Science pupils . Most universities now accept the AQA specification as a third A Level and recognise the teamwork skills fostered by drama. Drama and Theatre Studies may lead to degrees in English, History, Art, Photography, Fashion, Psychology, Sociology, Media, Education and Public Relations. Acting is still a notoriously competitive profession but a degree in Drama could lead to a career in many other areas, such as stage design, stage management, any arts administration, teaching, media and communication and all professions involving presentation and oral skills, including legal and medical professions.
