Drama

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Choosing which subjects to study can seem daunting, particularly when you want to make sure that your choices will be of benefit to you in the future.  Drama skills are invaluable in life.
 

Through drama we get to explore different peoples’ perspectives, develop empathy for others (a valuable skill in most jobs these days), be physically creative and explore  challenging situations.
 

Participating in and watching drama and theatre offers us access to a vibrant part of our culture and of course, it’s great fun.
 

A must choice for those that enjoy drama performance and want to explore the wonderful world of theatre!

Drama.jpg

Qualification: GCSE
Examination Board: AQA
Specification Code: 8261


 

Topics Covered

This course gives you opportunities to devise and perform drama and also evaluate, both as a performer and an audience member.
You will: 
 

  • Create drama based on stimulus material (poems, pictures, music and newspaper articles) and explore play scripts such as Blood Brothers, ‘Curious Incident’ and Kneehigh’s Hansel and Gretel
     
  • Work in a variety of groups using explorative strategies, creating credible characters and developing your performance skills.  
     
  • Watch live theatre from a variety of different theatres, learning to analyse and appreciate numerous performance styles.

Assessment

Component 1 (40%): Learners will explore practically a performance text to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama. (Written Exam)
 

Component 2 (40%): Learners will research and explore a stimulus, work collaboratively and create their own devised drama.
 

Component 3 (20%): Learners develop and apply theatrical skills in acting or design by presenting a showcase of two extracts from a performance text.

Course Progression

From a successful GCSE in Drama you can progress to study A level Theatre Studies, which is offered at Swanshurst Sixth Form, or study for a BTEC National Performing Arts (acting). Whatever you go on to study in Sixth Form and Higher Education, GCSE Drama will improve your creativity, social interaction skills and your presentation skills, which are all vital for getting through interviews in colleges, university and the competitive jobs market.

Career Opportunities

Drama students have gone on to pursue such careers as: police officers, sales representatives, social workers, nurses, doctors, teachers, lawyers, counsellors, lighting designers, photographers, costume designers, directors, playwrights, journalists, theatre critics, animators, film makers, theatre directors, actors and producers. Drama students are adaptable, aspirational and creative people who work well in any team and lead others with respect and confidence!