A Level Drama and Theatre (Edexcel)
What will I learn ? How will I be taught & assessed ?
Drama and Theatre Studies is a practical, intellectual and artistic subject. You
will be expected to explore the structural elements of theatre from the page
to the stage. In order to be successful and enjoy this subject, you will need to
have a keen interest in the history of drama and study the practitioners,
theatrical forms and conventions that make theatre such a compelling and
exciting subject. You must be able to analyse and critically deconstruct the
work you study, create and witness.
During the course you will study a minimum of two full play texts from a list
provided by the examination board, and a minimum of three key extracts
from three different play texts. You will also study a minimum of two
influential practitioners and demonstrate your understanding through both
practical and written work.
What are the entry requirements?
A minimum of a B grade in GCSE Drama is usually required. If GCSE Drama
was not studied, then an aptitude for, and keen interest in, drama and perfor-
mance, and /or performance experience, is an advantage.
A strong commitment to the independent study of drama and theatre is es-
sential.
You must be prepared to put in the extra time that is required, outside of
class, for rehearsals when in productions. There is a large workload so you
need to be very organised and have an extremely dedicated and conscientious
approach, in order to be successful in both your practical and written work.
You will be expected to attend many theatre trips as part of the course. Re-
search, essay writing and rehearsals are all integral to the course.
Lessons are a combination of practical learning supported by the classroom-
based theory needed to understand the work being studied. Learning takes
place through the following: practical workshops, researching background
material on a playwright, written research (social/cultural/historical),
rehearsal of a production, participating in improvisation, devised work and
class discussion. These methods increase understanding of the subject and
provide more detail and substance to the students work.
AS Level A Level
Component 1 Exploration and Performance portfolio Devising portfolio and devised perfor-
and 2 performances (60%) mance (40%)
Component 2 Theatre Makers in Practice written Text in Performancegroup perfor-
examination (40%) mance & monologue/duologue (20%)
Component 3 N/A Theatre Makers in Practice written
examination (40%)
What can I do next ?
The course can lead you to studying drama at university, drama school or a
Performing Arts course at the end of your A Levels.
Many students go on to study Drama and Theatre /Performing Arts at a higher
level and then progress to working in theatre, television, film and video. Other
areas where Drama and Theatre A Level is invaluable include the journalistic,
teaching and legal professions. Careers in media, marketing, advertising and
social work also benefit from the skills developed during the A Level Drama
and Theatre course.
When students study Drama and Theatre at A Level, they acquire highly
desirable skills in articulating thoughts, exploring ideas, sharpening
communication skills and providing the ability to work within a group
situation, both in a practical and academic setting.