Drama & Theatre Studies A2

Drama and Theatre Studies AS/A Level
Art, Media, Technology, Perf Art, Music & Dance
Board and Syllabus details
Board: Edexcel
(Performance or Technical Theatre pathways)
About the subject

The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing OR production role. On enrolment candidates must specify which pathway they intend to take in their first year.
Collyer's has an excellent reputation for the quality of its drama work. Recent productions have included: Henry V, Reformation, The Crucible, Cagebirds and the musicals The Goodbye Girl and The Chicken Ranch. We have two performance spaces (a studio and a theatre) with technicians ready to assist you. We stage plays throughout the year with roles available both behind (directors, playwrights, technicians, designers, producers...) and in front of the scenes.
Candidates will be expected to purchase set texts and pay for a variety of theatre trips during the course. It is recommended that you dress comfortably in order to participate in practical work.

Learning Styles

You will also be required to write about drama and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. Candidates will be assessed on their competence in applied practical skills, their appreciation of plays from a director's, a designer's and an actor's viewpoint, their knowledge of theatrical influences and their appreciation of selected practitioners. The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays and playwrights.

Subject combinations and progression
Drama & Theatre Studies provides an excellent addition to any rigorous programme of study. Many students seek to combine their interest in theatre with Media Studies, Performance Studies, Psychology, English, Maths or Design.
Subject modules and assessment
AS
Unit 1 Exploration of Drama and Theatre
Exploration of 2 plays chosen by the center. With additional study into one practitioner and a live performance event. 20% Internally assessed/Externally moderated practical & written coursework
Unit 2 Theatre Text in Performance
A practical examination of acting or design skills in a directed production of a
play. Candidates will also present a monologue/duologue. 30% externally assessed practical
A2
Unit 3 Exploration of Dramatic Performance
Teacher assessment of the making and performing of a devised piece of theatre. 20% internally assessed/externally moderated coursework
Unit 4 Theatre Text in Context
3 examination questions based on the study of 2 plays. Section A is based on a director's approach to a play and Section B is based on performance analysis and
research of an historical work. 30% externally assessed 2½ hour written paper

Entry Requirements

C in English Language.