GCSE Drama |
This course aims to: |
- Allow students to work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas.
- Consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities.
- Develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills
- Actively engage students in the process of dramatic study in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
Why study GCSE Drama? |
Students should study Drama:
- If they aspire to be creative and reflective learners.
- If they want to improve collaborative group skills.
- If they want to develop confidence and communication skills.
- If they have an interest in watching and evaluating creative work.
- If they want to develop their knowledge of Drama and Theatre as a medium of expression.
- If they enjoy reading, exploring and analysing play texts.
What kind of student is suitable for this course? |
An enjoyment of Drama is essential. GCSE Drama is a course that is suitable to students with all ranges of experience in performing. A student who enjoys learning through a practical medium and one who is a reflective learner would be successful on this course. Students will need to evaluate and analyse through written mediums too and so must have a determination to develop their skills in this aspect of the course. GCSE Drama builds on confidence and communication skills so it can be valuable to students who would like to develop these.
What career options are opened up by the course? |
GCSE Drama opens up a variety of options in the world of work. Drama is seen as a valuable asset for many jobs. Drama teaches the essential life and work skills of communication and confidence. Drama is linked to any form of public speaking or presentation involved in a career. Drama develops the skills needed to work collaboratively and interact with members of the public. The development of analytical and creative skills in drama is something that is vital to many industries.
GCSE Drama can lead to a specific career choice in the Arts including a performer, make-up artist, set designer, theatre manager, presenter, drama therapist, teacher, producer, director or a journalist.
Course Structure |
Content Introduction and skills
The initial delivery of GCSE Drama will be focused on building Drama techniques, creative and analytical skills. Students will be introduced to performing to an audience and learn different styles and methods of Drama as both an exploration and performance tool. Students will understand how to create Drama work from a range of themes and stimuli as well as refine script based work. Each learning topic will be delivered through an issue, theme or play.
Component 1: Devising (internal assessment)
This component deals with devising, which is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work collaboratively with others to explore a range of stimuli in order to create an original performance piece. This will allow for personal development and exploration. It allows students the opportunity to stretch the limits of their creativity and imagination, while exploring a theme or topic of interest to them and their intended audience. Students will be responsible for all aspects of the devised piece and process including research and production. They will analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance through an assessed written portfolio, visual and verbal evidence. They will perform their final performance to an audience. Students may opt to do this as a performer or designer.
Unit 2: Performance from text (performance examination)
This component deals with developing knowledge, understanding and skills in exploring and performing from a performance text. Students will interpret this text and rehearse and refine two key extracts, leading to a final performance for a visiting examiner. Understanding a performance text is fundamental to the subject, as this provides students with opportunities to explore plot, structure, narrative and stories from around the world and from different time periods. It encourages them to develop empathy skills, as they consider different characters and develop methods of communicating ideas and themes through their interpretation. Students may opt for performance support rather than perform.
Unit 3: Theatre makers in practice (written examination)
This component focuses on the work of theatre makers and the theatrical choices that are made by crucial members of the creative and production team in order to communicate ideas to an audience. As theatre makers, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the ways in which drama can create meaning for an audience through performance. Students will explore practically how a complete performance text might be interpreted and realised from page to stage. This exploration will give students an insight into how texts may be brought to life for an audience and the creative roles within this process. In the written examination they will be asked about a chosen exert of the set text and answer questions on their interpretation of the play as a designer, director and actor by reflecting on their practice and preparation. After a visit students will also analyse and evaluate their experience of a live theatre performance as informed members of the audience. They will develop skills to recognise the meaning created in the theatre space in order to communicate ideas to an audience. They will be asked about this in the examination.
Assessment
Component 1 - 40% Internal assessment - will be assessed internally via a performance as well as a written and verbal portfolio of evidence.
Component 2 - 20% External practical examination - will be assessed through an externally examined performance to an audience.
Component 3 - 40% Written examination will be assessed solely through a written examination.
Key Contact |
Miss Babanari, Head of Performing Arts
Syllabus Website |
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/drama-2016.html