Why should I study Drama?

Drama is a dynamic and exciting course that prepares students for performance and beyond.

Led by the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Horizon Arts Theatre Company, this programme of study allows students to create, understand and perform drama in a challenging way. Throughout the course students will study many different dramatic genres including physical theatre, naturalism, devising and improvisation. This uniquely delivered programme is designed for those interested in continuing their study of performing arts in higher education and those who want a fresh and exhilarating challenge. Students will relish the opportunity to develop their creativity through writing, directing and performing work to audiences throughout the two years.

What will I study?

Unit 1: Exploration of Drama & Theatre - Coursework

In this unit you will explore 2 contrasting plays in an active and practical way. Theatre practitioners covered include Artaud and Berkoff amongst others.

You will look at the way a play is put together and examine what needs to be done to bring it to life on stage. The language of drama and theatre will be developed for use in the rest of the course. One of the plays will be explored in the light of a practitioner and a set of Exploration Notes based on research and individual response will be produced. Live performance will also be evaluated.

Unit 2: Theatre Text in Performance - Performance

You will be required to contribute to a performance of a professionally published play by a known writer. Additionally you must offer either a duologue or monologue from a different play. The assessment is by a visiting examiner on performance and on contribution to the collaborative interpretation of the play.

A2 Units

Unit 3: Exploration of Dramatic Performance - Coursework & Performance

You will be required to create a unique and original piece of theatre. Your starting point may be a professionally published play by a known writer. You will be assessed on the research and development of your work as well as the final performance before an identified audience. You must provide a written evaluation on both the process and performance of your work.

Unit 4: Theatre Text in Context - Written Examination

Section A - you will explore a practical and academic way of a choice of set plays from the point of view of a director.

Section B - you will compare a live performance of a play with the original staging conditions of the play.

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements plus GCSE Drama Grade C or BTEC Drama at Merit or above. GCSE grade C English would be an advantage.

What skills do I need?

• Good acting ability and a good voice
• A good standard of English
• The ability to work collaboratively
• The ability to lead when necessary
• The ability to work hard under pressure

How will I be taught?

• Tutorial-type teaching
• Practical work in small groups or individually
• Master Classes
• Workshops

How is the course assessed?

The course is divided 60/40 between practical and written assessment. Both the practical and written work is internally and externally assessed.

Live performance is evaluated throughout the course.
During performance units, students will be required to rehearse in groups outside lesson time.

What will this course prepare me for?

Drama students have gone on to do a variety of things. Some have gone on to drama school or drama/acting courses at university, many into professional acting. Others have gone on to a whole host of other courses, ranging from Psychology to IT, to English to Art/Fashion, to Mathematics.

Private Study

As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?

You will be expected to attend Theatre Visits and there is opportunity to go on a residential trip abroad.

Examining Board

EDEXCEL

Drama is for you if

You are creative, confident, independent and hard working.

Drama is not for you if

You dislike written work and performing in public.

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