Drama & Theatre

If you have any further enquiries, please email Miss Clare Fleet, Head of Drama and Theatre Studies, at fleetc@salesiancollege.com

Why study Drama & Theatre?

A Level Drama and Theatre is not only for those wanting a career in the Performing Arts. Whatever career you choose, the practical skills which you gain in this subject will be an enormous asset to you. Self-confidence, creative and presentation skills, the ability to work co-operatively with others and an understanding of psychology are all essential qualities for anyone. The course also complements a wide range of other subjects.

What will you learn?

The study of Drama aims to help you get the most enjoyment and satisfaction from all aspects of Drama and Theatre, both as a performer and as an informed spectator. It is mainly a practical course, but you will also learn to develop your skills as an informed critic by writing about your experience of Drama and Theatre. The course will involve taking part in Drama productions and practical workshops as well as studying plays and playwrights and the history of theatre.

What do I need to study this subject?

You do not need to have studied GCSE Drama (although it does help) but what you do need is enthusiasm for the subject, a curiosity about issues and a creative instinct for communicating your ideas through Drama. You need to have an open mind and a willingness to take risks and “have a go” at a wide range of practical activities. You also need to be committed to taking part in theatrical performances and have an interest in going to the theatre to see plays performed by different theatre companies.

Why study Drama and Theatre at Salesian?

We have two highly qualified and experienced drama teachers at Salesian College and the staff to student ratio is second to none. Small classes mean that there is great opportunity for a wealth of tailor-made experiences such as: taking part in community theatre, festivals, workshops etc. as well as individual coaching and support.

What does the course involve?

Component 1: Drama and Theatre


What's assessed?

  • Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre
  • Study of two set plays
  • Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 3 hours
  • Open book
  • 80 marks
  • 40% of A Level

Questions

Section A: one question (from a choice) on one of the set plays (25 marks).

Section B: one three-part question on a given extract from one of the set plays from List B (30 marks).

Section C: one question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (25 marks).
 

Component 2: Creating original drama (practical)


What's assessed?

  • Process of creating devised drama.
  • Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director).
  • Devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner

How it's assessed

  • Working notebook (40 marks)
  • Devised performance (20 marks)
  • 60 marks in total
  • 30% of A Level

Component 3: Making theatre (practical)


What's assessed?

  • Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts (Extract 1, 2 and 3) each taken from a different play
  • Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 3
  • Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer, or director)
  • Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts

How it's assessed

  • Performance of Extract 3 (40 marks)
  • Reflective report (20 marks)
  • 60 marks in total
  • 30% of A Level