AS/A2 Performance Studies

AS / A2 PERFORMANCE STUDIES

Exam Board: OCR
Performance Studies is taught in the high performing Expressive Arts Department which Ofsted graded as nationally outstanding in 2008.

Learning in Performance happens through doing. You will work using a range of styles to explore texts and practitioners through practical work in groups to help you develop your analytical skills, imagination, creativity and sensitivity. You will integrate the disciplines of music, drama and dance, working both individually and in groups At Paston you can join our Far East Theatre Company, the youth theatre company which presents at least two productions a year and tours schools and professional venues.

Students take Performance Studies alongside Science, Arts or Humanities subjects. Performance skills are seen as an asset by employers for any career involving communication and working with the public. Students have gone from this course at Paston to study Drama, Theatre Studies, Dance, and Performing Arts at universities such as London (Royal Holloway and Bedford colleges), Lancaster, Brighton, Hull, Roehampton, Winchester and the Central School of Speech & Drama, London.

Former students now work in a wide variety of careers ranging from advertising, TV, journalism to social services, the police and teaching.

Performance Studies was a challenge but extremely enjoyable at the same time. I really liked having to find ways to use music, dance and drama to create Performance. You dont have to be good at all skills but you just have to be willing to have a go. Stephanie Capps.

We explored quite serious issues such as immigration from different points of view. It made me think differently having experienced them first hand through drama. Grace Porteous, A2 student 2009/10

We had a brilliant time inviting local people into college to talk about their memories of the M&GN railway. We then made a play using some of their words and performed it on the disused railway platform at Felmingham to the public. Matt Brown, A2 student 2009/10

Performance Studies gave me the opportunity to be creative and develop my own ideas using music, dance and drama together. I loved it! Lucy Gooch, going to Royal Holloway, London after A2s in 2009

I was amazed at how it helped me understand more difficult plays. I am so glad I did this course before starting university. Kathryn Sanders, going on to University of Hull after A2s in 2009

AS Performance Studies

In AS Performance Studies you will:

• Create short performances in each individual art form; drama, dance and music. You will also create a longer piece that has elements of all three artforms which has a community focus and will be performed at a venue in the community. These are accompanied
  by a written commentary of the practical work.
• Study the work of the English Dance Theatre practitioner Matthew Bourne and see a live production.
• Study the play Bouncers by the Northern playwright John Godber and perform short sections.

Assessment

Coursework and a written examination.

Entry requirements

At least a grade C in GCSE English Language in addition to the Colleges entry requirement for AS study. No previous study or experience of Performance is necessary but a willingness to experiment using drama, dance and music is necessary. Any experience in drama, dance and music is valued but not necessary.

A2 Performance Studies

In A2 Performance Studies you will build on your work at AS level. You will:-

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• 
  Study 9 different Performance pieces and analyse how they have contributed to post-modern styles in the performing arts since 1960
  
• 
  Create a Performance based on one of the works that you have studied. This may be in music, dance or drama or a combination of these artforms. You can work solo or in a group.
  
• 
  Create a student devised Performance produced in response to a commission. You will work in a group and perform a piece of your own making. Your teacher will guide and support you but not direct the piece.
  

Assessment

A written and a practical exam.