DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES (AQA)

Cottingham Sixth Form College

Who is the course aimed at?     

This course is aimed at those who are interested in developing:

• Their acting and performance skills
• A comprehensive understanding and appreciation of theatre in theory and practice
• Transferable skills applicable to a wide range of careers

What will you learn?     

Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves.

Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays practically and work on performances.

Students will develop skills that are not just essential for drama but applicable to a wide range of higher education subjects and in the workplace.

This course refines students’ collaborative skills, their analytical thinking and their approach to research.

Students grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on decision making.

How will you be assessed?         

Component 1 - Drama and Theatre:

Study of two texts. Live theatre performance assessment. Assessed through a 3 hour written exam.

40% of A Level

Component 2 - Creating Original Drama:

Devised drama performance linked to a practitioner. Assessed through a performance and written working notes. 30% of A Level

Component 3 - Making Theatre:

Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts from different plays.

Assessed through a performance and reflective report.

30% of A Level

How will you learn?       

Drama and theatre studies is a practical, intellectual and artistic subject. You will be expected to explore the structural elements of theatre from the page to the stage through practical drama workshops and rehearsal practices. Learning methods used include:

• Group work
• Studying scripts from set lists
• Devising original work
• Analysing practical skills
• Performances for target audiences
• Working with a director

Enrichment activities and independent learning?           

There are a variety of activities and opportunities for students to further develop their skills and theoretic understanding.

We have a strong tradition of school performances including the annual Christmas concert, showcase evenings and musical theatre shows.

There are regular theatre visits to major cities, e.g. York, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. We also organise trips to Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

We particularly look for performances by leading companies such as the National Theatre, Headlong, Dv8, Kneehigh, Shared Experience, Splendid Productions and Frantic Assembly who are all recognised as leading practitioners by the exam boards.

What and where next?

You could progress to study the subject at university or audition for drama school. Identify courses that have a strong vocational element and the lectures should have recent experience of working in the theatre.

There are also opportunities to work in performing arts. The Stage, a weekly newspaper, advertises regularly for all kinds of jobs in the theatre and film industry.

More information          

For more information about this course please see the specification below or contact the sixth form team.