Drama

Exam Board: AQA

Overview:

The subject content details the knowledge, understanding and skills that students are expected to develop throughout the course of study. Students learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. They gain the confidence to pursue their own ideas, reflect and refine their efforts. Whatever the future holds, students of GCSE Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace.

The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components:

Component 1: Understanding drama

Component 2: Devising drama

Component 3: Texts in practice

In the practical components, students may specialise in performing, lighting, sound, and costume.

Assessment:

Component One​

Component ​Two​

Component Three​

 Study of Blood Brothers​

Written Exam​ 1 hour 45​

40% of the GCSE​

 Devised performance​​

 Written Coursework​​

40% of the GCSE​

Examined by Mrs Parkin, moderated by AQA

 Scripted Performance​​

 No written element​​

20% of the GCSE​

Visiting Examiner

Requirements:

An ability to perform in front of audiences

The confidence to work with a variety of people

To be able to take risks

To be able to analyse and evaluate professional productions as well as your practical work

Where can it lead?

Academic Route​

Vocational Route​

University (Drama, History, Education)​

BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts

Performance College- MADD, EPA etc…

Work​, Teaching, Script Writing, Etc​

Drama Schools (RADA, LAMDA, Etc)​

Further Academia​

Agent/Auditions/Casting​

Work in Theatre, TV, Film, etc​

Requirements

You will need to have focus and concentration;

You will need to perform in front of audiences;

You will need good speaking and listening skills;

You will need to be imaginative;

You will need to be willing to take risks; and

You will need the ability to laugh at yourself.

Where can it lead?

Drama combines a lot of different transferable skills which can not only support further study of drama and a career in acting or directing, but also a range of other subjects and careers. Public speaking, presentation and confidence are also abilities which always support you, whether you choose to become a solicitor debating issues of law, a business person delivering marketing pitches or an army captain leading troops into difficult situations.