Drama
Course Information
| Literacy |  |
|---|---|
| Numeracy |  |
| Communications |  |
| Creativity | |
| Practical | |
| Group Work | |
| Examination Assessment | 40% |
| Non-Examination Assessment | 60% |
| EBacc | No |
| Examination Board | Eduqas |
| Course | Level 2 |
General Information
Video transcript
00:00:01
I'm Mrs Duff and I'm here to talk to you about one of the most creative, challenging and enjoyable subjects you can take at GCSE Drama.
00:00:10
Now, before you start picturing two years of pretending to be a tree, let me reassure you, GCSE Drama is so much more than that.
00:00:21
GCSE Drama is all about exploring the world through performance.
00:00:24
You'll learn how to act, how to direct, how to interpret scripts, and how to create your own original theatre.
00:00:32
We follow the EDUCAS exam board, which means that the clause is split into three components.
00:00:37
Component one is all about devising theatre.
00:00:41
You'll create your own performance from scratch, inspired by a theme, stimulus, or style of theatre.
00:00:48
You'll work collaboratively in a group, and you'll also write a short portfolio explaining your creative process.
00:00:56
Component 2 is all about performing from a text.
00:00:59
This is where you perform scenes from a published play, just like a professional actor in the theatre.
00:01:04
You'll work with me to choose a script that suits you, and plays to your strengths, you'll rehearse it, and you'll perform it from an examiner who visits from the exam board.
00:01:15
Component 3 is called Interpreting Theatre.
00:01:17
This is the written part, but don't panic.
00:01:20
It's based on a play which we will have studied practically in class.
00:01:24
For us, that's Macbeth, so that goes really well with your English GCSE.
00:01:28
And you'll also write a review of a live theatre performance that we'll go and watch.
00:01:33
You'll write about the acting, the design, the directing, the creative choices that bring theatre to life.
00:01:42
RAMA isn't just about acting.
00:01:44
You'll build confidence, creativity and communication skills that are valuable in every career.
00:01:49
You'll learn to work as part of a team, think on your feet, express your ideas clearly, analyse and interpret people, scripts and situations.
00:02:04
Former lessons are practical, fast-paced and collaborative.
00:02:07
You'll be up on your feet experimenting, rehearsing and performing, not sitting behind a desk.
00:02:12
You'll explore a range of styles and practitioners, from Arto and Stanislavski, to physical theatre and modern scripts.
00:02:19
One week you might be creating a tense thriller, the next you could be performing Shakespeare with a modern twist.
00:02:27
So why choose drama?
00:02:28
If you enjoy being creative, working with others and expressing yourself, this subject will suit you perfectly.
00:02:35
It's also great if you want to balance alongside your other GCSEs.
00:02:39
Drama gives you a chance to think differently, to use your imagination and bring energy into your school week.
00:02:45
Students often tell us that drama is the subject that helps them to unwind, build friendships and develop a confidence they never knew they had.
00:02:53
So, if you like performing, creating, or just challenging yourself in new ways, GCSE Drama could be the perfect choice for you.
00:03:00
It's fun, it's practical, it's inspiring.
00:03:03
And who knows, it might even help you discover a talent or career you never expected.
00:03:08
Thank you for listening.
Drama is not just for those wanting to act!
Drama actively engages pupils in a wide range of creative, practical and culturally stimulating activities. The subject also helps to develop individuals as effective, confident and independent pupils and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
The course works to develop competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills whilst encouraging pupils to work imaginatively and creatively in a collaborative context, generating, developing and communicating ideas.
Career paths in this subject can range from all areas of theatre work to teaching and beyond. The skills gained will enable pupils to present themselves with authority and confidence in any context. The transferable skills gained in this subject are highly valued by employers. The subject-specific skills will develop a pupil's cultural capital.
The Eduqas GCSE Drama course provides a strong and appropriate foundation for further progression to Drama courses, including A Level Drama and Theatre Studies, and enhanced vocational and career options. As this is a performance-based course, pupils must be prepared to perform on a regular basis for their peers and a wider audience.
What will I need to succeed?
- The ability to work well in a group.
- A willingness to perform in lessons and sometimes publicly.
- Good organisational skills.
- The willingness to read scripts, learn lines and research topics for background information.
- The ability to work to deadlines.
- The ability to creatively and explore ideas practically.
- The ability to communicate in good written English – this is especially important for the written Portfolio of Supporting Evidence and Evaluation and the External Assessment.
- A genuine interest in the theatre and dramatic arts.
Subject Content
GCSE Drama - Grades 9-1
The course is made up of 3 Components.
Component 1 is all about devising original theatre. Pupils will learn and use a wide range of skills to create new work, often in response to a stimulus. They will also learn about the techniques of key theatre practitioners and use this to influence their work.
Component 2 allow pupils to work with script, bringing a performance to life. They will work as a professional actor would, developing their understanding of a role and working with others to take the script from ‘page to stage’
Component 3 allows a deeper exploration of a set text, and asks pupils to consider how others have delivered live performance. We will go to the theatre to see a professional production, which pupils will then write a review of.
Exam Question
The highest mark question for Section A is worth 15 marks and asks the pupil to explain how they would bring a specific extract to life, either as an actor, or as a designer, e.g. “As an actor, explain how you would communicate the character of Banquo. Choose 1 extract”. This question is worth 25% of the whole paper and should take about 20 minutes to complete.
What other subjects go well with Drama?
This course builds on and uses the knowledge and skills you learn in your GCSEs, particularly in English and Dance. It will also benefit your ability to think critically and to assume other perspectives on subjects such as History and Media Studies. As this is a predominantly practical subject, it balances well with more academic GCSEs.
Do I have to perform?
Yes, we perform all of the time. For Components 1 and 2 you are assessed mostly through your performance as part of a group.
What careers can it lead to after leaving Swanmore College?
Having a qualification in Drama can lead to many further courses and careers. Examples of the many careers include actor, front-of-house manager, camera operator, wardrobe manager, stage technician, and film producer.