Drama and Theatre A-Level (AQA) The A Level Drama and Theatre studies course provides students with the opportunity to create, shape and explore a variety of theatre texts and performance styles, studying practitioners and applying methodologies whilst still allowing for individual creative freedom. The course is underpinned by a highly practical approach to the world of theatre and co-curricular opportunities that encourage pupils to develop their abilities in directing and designing. Last year, 50% of our Drama students achieved an A*/A grade, and 100% achieved A*-B, with students obtaining places at Exeter University, the University of St Andrews and Oxford University to study subjects including Law and Biochemistry. Drama and Theatre studies is a challenging subject suited to students who are creative, questioning and observant. Group work and collaboration is at the heart of this course, and students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. It is a varied course with students studying a wide range of theatrical styles, plays, practitioners and theatre conventions; learning about approaches to theatre and applying knowledge to practical and theoretical components. In addition to Drama lessons, students will go and see a number of live performances, access online digital theatre shows and have the opportunity to work with a theatre company in a workshop context. The various assessment models used such as extract based questions, reflective log books, performance work, rehearsal strategies and open and closed book approaches allow students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read a script critically and apply creative ideas of both self and set practitioners, analyse and evaluate the impact of theatre and performance and undertake independent research which are valuable to both future study and employment. Course Overview and Assessment Model • Unit 1: Drama and Theatre (written examination) enables students to analyse and critique live theatre during the course and apply knowledge and understanding of theatre to interpret two set texts from either a performance or directing perspective. • Unit 2: Creating Original Drama enables students to learn how to create and develop original devised ideas to communicate meaning, as part of the theatre making process. Students will develop ideas, research relevant processes and theatre practices, apply what they have learnt from live performances, explore devising work, influential practitioners, rehearsal methods and refine work in progress. • Unit 3: Making Theatre will enable students to work in groups to explore, rehearse and perform three extracts from three different plays. They learn how to interpret texts and realise artistic intentions, make connections between theory and practice, and create and communicate meaning for a live audience. Career Opportunities A-Level Drama and Theatre is useful for students considering higher education in any arts or humanities subject, including English Language and Literature, Journalism, Dance, Music, Art and Design, and Media Studies. Students have also gone on to study Law, Speech Therapy, Drama Therapy, Psychology, Counselling and Teaching. Further career opportunities include arts/theatre administration, arts journalism, director, actor, designer, playwright, stage management, theatre management, theatrical agent, technician, broadcasting, media presenting, education, drama therapy and scriptwriting.
About Education Provider
| Region | West Midlands |
| Local Authority | Walsall |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| Address | Upper Forster Street, Walsall, WS4 2AE |
Drama and Theatre A-Level (AQA) The A Level Drama and Theatre studies course provides students with the opportunity to create, shape and explore a variety of theatre texts and performance styles, studying practitioners and applying methodologies whilst still allowing for individual creative freedom. The course is underpinned by a highly practical approach to the world of theatre and co-curricular opportunities that encourage pupils to develop their abilities in directing and designing. Last year, 50% of our Drama students achieved an A*/A grade, and 100% achieved A*-B, with students obtaining places at Exeter University, the University of St Andrews and Oxford University to study subjects including Law and Biochemistry. Drama and Theatre studies is a challenging subject suited to students who are creative, questioning and observant. Group work and collaboration is at the heart of this course, and students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. It is a varied course with students studying a wide range of theatrical styles, plays, practitioners and theatre conventions; learning about approaches to theatre and applying knowledge to practical and theoretical components. In addition to Drama lessons, students will go and see a number of live performances, access online digital theatre shows and have the opportunity to work with a theatre company in a workshop context. The various assessment models used such as extract based questions, reflective log books, performance work, rehearsal strategies and open and closed book approaches allow students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read a script critically and apply creative ideas of both self and set practitioners, analyse and evaluate the impact of theatre and performance and undertake independent research which are valuable to both future study and employment. Course Overview and Assessment Model • Unit 1: Drama and Theatre (written examination) enables students to analyse and critique live theatre during the course and apply knowledge and understanding of theatre to interpret two set texts from either a performance or directing perspective. • Unit 2: Creating Original Drama enables students to learn how to create and develop original devised ideas to communicate meaning, as part of the theatre making process. Students will develop ideas, research relevant processes and theatre practices, apply what they have learnt from live performances, explore devising work, influential practitioners, rehearsal methods and refine work in progress. • Unit 3: Making Theatre will enable students to work in groups to explore, rehearse and perform three extracts from three different plays. They learn how to interpret texts and realise artistic intentions, make connections between theory and practice, and create and communicate meaning for a live audience. Career Opportunities A-Level Drama and Theatre is useful for students considering higher education in any arts or humanities subject, including English Language and Literature, Journalism, Dance, Music, Art and Design, and Media Studies. Students have also gone on to study Law, Speech Therapy, Drama Therapy, Psychology, Counselling and Teaching. Further career opportunities include arts/theatre administration, arts journalism, director, actor, designer, playwright, stage management, theatre management, theatrical agent, technician, broadcasting, media presenting, education, drama therapy and scriptwriting.
