Drama
What is it about?
GCSE Drama encourages students to:
- Study a range of dramatic genres and texts in order to consider and explore their impact on social, historical and cultural influences
- Collaborate imaginatively and creatively with other learners to develop and communicate ideas
- Reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others
- Develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills
- Develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
What sort of work is done?
Learners will investigate a range of dramatic styles and skills through workshops and rehearsals. They will also take part in developing extracts of a play text for performance, taking a role as a performer or designer. Learners will study a different play text and watch a piece of live theatre, on which they will complete a written examination.
How is it examined?
Component 1: Devising
Devising log (45 marks)
Devised Performance (15 marks)
60 marks in total - 40% of GCSE
Component 2: Performance from text
Performance of Extract 1 (24 marks) and Extract 2 (24 marks)
48 marks in total - 20% of GCSE
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice
Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes
60 marks in total - 40% of GCSE
How important is the Non-Examined Assessment (NEA)?
Very. The NEA makes up 60% of the qualification and so it is of great importance to keep up to date with NEA tasks. This includes lesson notes, extended learning projects and rehearsals for assessed performances.
What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?
- Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Drama
From this qualification you might go on to study A Level Drama or Theatre Studies, or a BTEC National in Performing Arts, a level 3 qualification which is equivalent to an A Level.
Career directions could include: actor, director, media careers, theatre production and administration, personnel manager, social work, youth and community work, teacher, marketing and public relations, law, uniformed services, nursing and health care. This is an excellent qualification for those whose careers require interaction, teamwork and presentation.
