Drama GCSE

About the Course

GCSE Drama provides you with an opportunity to develop your acting and performance skills, directing and production skills and your understanding and appreciation of drama and theatre. This is achieved through the study of a set text, performing and devising new work, and by going to see live performances.

Exam Board

AQA

Component 1 - Written Examination 40%

Component 2 - Devising Drama 40%

Component 3 - Performing Drama 20%

Course Content

Component 1: you will study theatre roles, stage configurations, The Crucible and go to see live theatre.  In your 1¾ hour written exam you will answer questions on what you have studied.  (80 marks)

Component 2: you will create and perform an original piece of theatre (20 marks) and write a Reflective Report (60 marks) on the devising process, response to stimulus and evaluation of the work. 

Component 3: you will study and perform two extracts (40 marks) from a published play of your choice exploring character development, the influence of social, historical and cultural context and holistic production aspects such as set, lighting and sound.

Beyond the Classroom

If you wanted to continue with your studies, you could take A level Theatre Studies and/or Dance, offered by the Performing Arts department for which there is a 100% pass rate for both courses.  Students who have Drama, Dance or other Performing Arts qualifications have gone on to do community work, sports therapy, drama therapy, deliver training for businesses primarily in communication, media and social work to name a few.  This is as well as the obvious careers in theatre and the performing arts.  Many universities offer Drama as a discrete or combined subject and it greatly supports students who wish to study degrees in English, Media, History, Communication, Psychology and Sociology for example.  We are also proud of a number of our students who have gone on to study at. The careers this subject could lead you to is :
  • Actor/Musical Theatre Performer
  • Broadcast Presenter
  • Community Arts Worker
  • Director
  • Dramatherapist
  • Media Researcher
  • Music Producer
  • Special Effects Technician
  • Talent Agent
  • Theatre Manager

Your Future

From a Student Perspective I find Drama very beneficial as it helps boost confidence levels and is fun.  Despite being stressful at times, overall I enjoy it and would recommend it to other students.  You are given a lot of freedom to create pieces and adapt them to how you want them to be which also involves a lot of teamwork.  Drama gives you a great chance to work with new people and make new friends.  -  Year 11 Drama student