At present this course is only offered at AS level but if there is a demand for an A2 course, this can be implemented. However, this choice is not recommended for Oxbridge candidates. Also, it has been stated in educational journals that some universities will not always respect Theatre Studies as a suitable A2 option for their courses, so discuss this with both the Heads of Drama and Sixth Form before making your final option choices. It is a good fourth subject for AS, however, but not an easy option as there is both a practical and academic element. The Board suggests that it is useful, but not essential, to have taken GCSE Drama. Please note: in order to complete the practical element, the course requires a minimum of four students.

Examination Board: EdExcel

What is the content of the course?
You will complete two modules.

Unit 1 [40% of AS grade; 20% of A2 - Exploration of Devised Drama and Theatre] is an internal assessment of drama activities with supporting exploration notes and an evaluation of live theatre. Here you will study the language of theatre and how plays are interpreted, using two plays of contrasting periods or styles. One play will take into account the style of a recognised theatre practitioner such as Stanislavsky or Artaud. There will be practical exploration of plays and experience of live theatre. The written evaluation of this work forms the assessment.

Unit 2 [60% of AS grade; 30% of A2 - Theatre Text in Performance] is externally assessed by a visiting examiner. In this unit, there is a compulsory monologue/duologue performance or a design realisation, as well as a group performance or design realisation. You will be expected to make interpretative decisions. Performance and design skills will be assessed. Each student can nominate a particular skill to be assessed, but ultimately the whole group is responsible for every aspect of the production.

Do I need any particular skills or background knowledge?
This exciting but demanding course requires great commitment and thinking skills and above all a passion for drama in all its aspects – textual, live theatre and performance. Teamwork is vital. Drama and Theatre Studies is possibly the only AS subject where your final result depends on the work of others - and vice versa.

Your English GCSE will have prepared you for some of the critical analysis necessary so a good grade and an interest in English are essential. It is a firm requirement for the course that you have participated widely in productions before the sixth form in order to have a grasp of the skills necessary for the performance element, especially if you have not done GCSE Drama. You must also be prepared to attend many theatrical productions to help you with Unit 1 and give time to attend rehearsals for the Devised Drama element.

Will the subject go with other subjects I am studying?
It can be studied with any combination or discipline but, because of time-consuming rehearsals, it is probably better to avoid mixing it with other subjects with a strong practical element.

How useful will this subject be for me?
Drama and Theatre Studies is an excellent subject for developing communication skills, teamwork, self-confidence and self-esteem. It can be studied as a single subject or as a combination with, for example a modern language. There are both practical and theoretical courses available. It is a useful subject for teaching and acting careers but it is not essential for the latter. It will support careers in law and business where you will need to present your thoughts with charisma and confidence in order to persuade your audience.

Related extra curricular activities
You will be expected to broaden your practical skills through participation in the main school productions, as well as assisting with the middle school production, the Year 9 pantomime and other school dramatic events, including frequent theatre visits.