Subject Title: Drama

Lead Teacher: Mrs R Parker-Wakeling

Examining Body: Edexcel

Level: GCSE Full Course

Why should I study this subject?
You should take this course if you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative. You should study this course if you enjoy experimenting with, and creating, different pieces of work for performance and enjoy working in a close knit group. As well as developing an understanding of what it is like to be in others’ shoes, you will have the chance to play many different parts in many different, imaginary situations. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people. You will enjoy this course if you want to develop your improvisation and acting skills to a higher level, or if you want to see a script come to life on stage. This course will also give you the opportunity to express your feelings and ideas about a range of different issues, building up your confidence, problem solving and communication skills.

What use will a qualification in this subject be to me when I leave school?
There are a number of different things you can go on to do with this qualification. You could take an AS or A Level in Drama and Theatre Studies, or a Vocational A Level in Performing Arts; you could take a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts. You may also wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of drama and the skills it develops. This might include retail, travel and tourism, marketing or any career which involves meeting people face to face. The study of drama can help you develop transferable skills which you can take into any career or job.

How will this subject be taught and what will be expected from me?
The course will be taught through a series of units of work based on developing skills, for example Character, Improvisation, Street Theatre, Performance, Physical and Mime, and through a series of units on exploring issues such as drug abuse, hostages, conflict etc.
The course is divided into three parts. In part one you will use drama to express your feelings about a range of different issues and ideas. In part two you will explore how playwrights express their ideas about a theme or a topic and explore ways in making the play work on stage. In part three you will have the choice of being involved in the performance of an extract from an existing play or one you create yourself.
You will be expected to fully participate in all areas of the course. You will also be expected to take part in all areas of performance such as the Year 10 Showcase, or as part of the Street Theatre unit. You will be expected to complete all parts of the workshop exams, two pieces of written coursework and regularly complete an ongoing log book of the work you produce during lesson time.

How will the work be marked and assessed?
Your log book will be collected in during the last lesson of the week and marked and returned to you during the first lesson the following week. Your work and progress will be continuously assessed throughout each lesson and feedback given verbally. There are three practical examinations during the course and two written pieces of work.
Practical exam one is a six hour workshop which uses a variety of skills and techniques to explore a given theme. A written log of evidence accompanies this.
Practical exam two is a six hour workshop which uses a variety of skills and techniques to explore a published play. A written log of evidence again accompanies this.
These two exams make up the coursework, are marked internally by the teacher and moderated by the exam board. The practical workshops are worth 40% and the written 20% of the final mark.
The third practical exam is a performance where you chose either to perform an extract from a play or create one of your own. This is performed to a visiting examiner who marks it and is worth 40% of the total mark.
There is no written exam for Drama.