Course
Drama & Theatre
Exam Board
OCR
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mr J Bard - jbard@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
For practical performances, candidates wishing to pursue the acting option should have successful experience in acting. Candidates who wish to take the technical option must have previous experience of designing and programming lights or sound desks.
Rehearsals take place outside the classroom, at weekends and, sometimes, at the beginning or end of school holidays; all pupils need to be available to attend these rehearsals.
The A level in Drama has been specifically designed to be a practical, engaging and creative specification for learners to study. It provides them with opportunities to interrogate drama and the work of others, to explore a range of drama as a practical art form, and to work independently to create their own drama performances making informed artistic choices.
The main purpose of this qualification is to allow learners to study drama and theatre in an academic setting, interrogating this art form and applying their knowledge and understanding to the process of creating and developing drama and theatre and to their own performance work. It will also prepare learners for the further study of Drama or Performing Arts courses in Higher Education as well as developing transferable skills desired by all sectors of the industry. By undertaking this qualification, you will become independent learners, critical thinkers and effective decision makers – all personal attributes that can make you stand out as you progress through your education and into employment.
What our students say
"I love being able to interpret and to create something I am proud of."
"We all worked so hard as a team to achieve."
Course Requirements
Drama - Grade 5 preferred (can be discussed at audition/interview)
English - Grade 5
Assessment
Practitioners in practice* (11/12 Performing) (13/14 Design) 120 marks Non-exam assessment** 40% of total A level
Exploring and performing texts* (21 Performing) (22 Design) 60 marks Non-exam assessment (Visiting examination) 20% of total A level
Analysing performance* (31) 60 marks 2 hours 15 minutes Written paper** 20% of total A level
Deconstructing texts for performance* (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48) 60 marks 1 hour 45 minutes Written paper 20% of total A level
Content Overview
Learners will research and practically explore practitioners and the work of others.
Components 11/12 Creating, devising and performing original theatre.
Component 13/14 Creating, devising and designing for original theatre.
Learners will explore one performance text.
Component 21 Performing live theatre.
Component 22 designing for live theatre.
Learners will explore practically two performance texts on a chosen theme. Learners will analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance.
Learners will interpret and explore practically a performance text considering how to create, develop and direct a performance for an audience.
This course opens up a range of pathways upon completion. This course leads very well further study of Performing Arts courses at Higher Education or specialist institutes. It will also help to prepare students to work in the performing industry. Studies alongside other A Levels also offer a complementary education for those with a clear interest in Performing Arts.