Faculty of Creative Arts

Drama & Theatre Studies

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Guide to GCSE Drama (AQA)

This course offers students the opportunity to develop practical skills in drama and to enhance their appreciation and understanding of drama and a range of play texts. You are able to select a wide range of practical work as an actor, designer or technician. Written records must be kept of all practical work during the two years. A written examination at the end of the course is linked to the practical experience gained during the course. There is a strong bias towards group work and evaluation.

It is important to understand the commitment necessary for preparing for practical assessments, and the success of each group depends on all students showing this maximum commitment.

Coursework is 60% of the marks. It is internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA. Students present practical work for both scripted and unscripted performance. This can be as an actor, lighting, costume, set or properties designer or stage manager.

The written examination is 40% of the marks. It is a two-hour paper. There is a choice of any two questions based on a set text and response to a live production seen during the course. This is externally set and marked.

Theatre visits will be arranged during the course and trips relating to topics for devised performances may be arranged when relevant.

Some of the texts available during the course may contain sensitive issues and adult language.

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