Drama & Theatre Studies
Why study A-level Drama & Theatre Studies
A-level Drama and Theatre Studies provides students with a practical and inspiring experience of theatre and performance. This qualification places emphasis on practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays practically, devise and work on performances.
- Qualification
- A-level
- Course length
- Two years
- Exam board
- AQA
- Assessment
- Exam + practical work
Course introduction
This specification refines students' collaborative skills, their analytical thinking and their approach to research. Students grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas and learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on making theatre. Students who take this course find they develop trusting and lasting relationships with their peers and produce some of the finest quality performance work.
- Course Title
Drama & Theatre Studies
- Examination Board
AQA
- Linear Qualification?
Yes
Entry requirements
Grade 5 in Drama GCSE
Grade 5 in English language or literature with an interest/experience in performance if not studied at GCSE
Course content
Students can be surprised by the demanding nature of A-level Drama and Theatre Studies as the course is designed to be challenging and highly creative. It combines both the academic and practical aspects of theatre and performance and students should have a passion and enthusiasm for the subject. As part of the course, students will be taken to see a variety of live theatre which is expected to influence written answers and performance work. It is also expected learners will seek opportunities to attend the theatre in their own time to broaden their awareness and appreciation of drama and theatre.
The course has three components and uses practical exploration of play texts and the work of influential practitioners to shape understanding and appreciation of theatre.
Assessment
Subject Content & Assessment details
A-level – 2 Year Course
Component 1: Drama and Theatre – Examined by AQA
40% of A-level (80 marks)
3 hour written exam (Open Book)
Section A: Answer ONE question on a play text – Antigone by Sophocles (25 marks)
Section B: Answer one question (three parts) on an extract from the play text- The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams (30 marks)
Section C: Answer one question on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (25 marks)
Component 2: Creating Original Drama – Examined by Teacher and Moderated by AQA
30% of A-level (60 marks)
Devised Practical Performance
Working Notebook (2,000 words)
Component 3:Making Theatre (Practical) - Examined by AQA
30% of A-level (60 marks)
Practical Exploration of 3 extracts from different plays
Performance of Extract 3 – influenced by practitioner
Reflective Analytical Report (3,000 words)
Future pathways
Students of AQA Drama and Theatre develop skills that are not just essential for drama but applicable to a wide range of higher education subjects and in the workplace. Higher education institutions value and respect the skills drama and theatre students acquire on the course. This qualification prepares students for a wide range of courses including: drama and theatre studies, performing arts, acting, creative & expressive arts and media studies.
AQA A-level Drama and Theatre Studies also prepares students for a range of careers including: Actor/Performer, Teacher, Events Management, Drama Therapist, Lawyer, Theatre Director and Community Arts Worker
Contact the subject team
Ask questions about the course and discuss your choices with us.
Mrs C Oakley: coakley@wilmslowhigh.com