Drama & Theatre

What is the exam board and route? 

A Level Drama and Theatre Edexcel 

Subject Entry Requirements: Grade 7 in GCSE Drama and/or GCSE English required. Speak to Mrs Bruton if you are under this but can demonstrate aptitude in performance or design.  

Subject outline 

A Level Drama and Theatre is comprised of three components. 

1. Devising: using a practitioner and the stimulus of a chosen text. 

2. Text in Performance: is a scripted group piece and a monologue or duologue, as a performer and/or designer.  

3. Theatre Makers in Practice: a written exam, writing as a reviewer, actor, designer and director, covering 2 set texts and a performance we go and see as a class.  

How is the course assessed? 

There are two exams – Text in Performance is an NEA practical, you perform a teacher directed group piece and a self-directed monologue or duologue, or you can take the technical route for either or both options. 

Theatre Makers in Practice has two Sections. Section A: you write a Live Theatre Evaluation of a play seen. Section B is two questions, answering one as performer and one as a designer on Accidental Death of an Anarchist which is a chosen set text. Section C is answered as a director applying the immersive techniques of Punchdrunk Theatre Company to the set text of Woyzeck. 

Why study this subject? 

Drama requires a creative mind-set, motivation and the ability to communicate effectively. What it says to a prospective university is that you can present yourself confidently, analyse text for meaning and have the resilience to respond to constructive criticism. 

Complementary subjects 

English, History, Psychology, Sociology, Art, RP, Politics. Past student have combined Drama with a medical pathway. 

Possible careers 

Lawyer, MP, Actor, Designer, Director, Teacher, CEO/Manager, Lecturer, Events Management. 

Subject enrichment available 

• Upper School productions 

• Shakespeare Schools Festival technical/design 
• New Directors’ Season