GCSE Drama

Students will have had experience of Drama during Key Stage 3. This experience, and the key skills developed will help them succeed in GCSE Drama. Students will develop their creating and performance skills to a much higher level at KS4, working towards both devised and scripted performances in front of a live audience. You will also analyse plays in more detail through your own performances and through live theatre visits; analysing the different ways of bringing a script to life on stage.

This is a challenging, exciting and creative GCSE course. It will allow you to gain a greater understanding of Drama and the Performing Arts industry as well as developing practical performance skills. All students will devise their own drama as well as explore and perform play texts. You can be sure to gather many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable.

The GCSE Drama content is divided into three components:

Component one – Understanding Drama – The study of a set text, knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre and an analysis and evaluation of a live theatre production. (80 marks, 40% of GCSE)

Component two – Devising Drama – Students must work in groups to create an original piece of theatre. They must complete a devising log (2500 words) an analysis and evaluation of their own work. Students will learn how to create and develop ideas to communicate meaning in a devised theatrical performance, and develop their ability to: carry out research, develop their own ideas, collaborate with others, rehearse, refine and amend their work in progress, analyse and evaluate the own process of creating devised drama. (80 marks, 40% of GCSE)

Component three – Text in Practice – You will rehearse and perform two extracts from one play. This is a practical component in which students are assessed on their ability to apply acting skills and to realise artistic intentions in live performance. (40 marks, 20% of GCSE)