AQA GCSE Drama
GCSE Drama is the study of theatre and performance. Whilst we teach the subject in a practical way, the assessment is split between written and practical tasks.
The Drama team is:
Mrs. Leftwich-Lloyd (Head of Department)
Mrs. Grattan
Mr. Brookes, Technician
Why is Drama a useful subject to take?
GCSE Drama develops key workplace and life skills: confidence, cooperation, teamwork, negotiation, creativity, leadership and presentation. It reflects an ability to not only learn and create performance work for audiences but to experiment with ideas as part of a group.
Previous students have gone on to study our ‘A level’ course in our sixth form which leads to a wide range of degree courses. Students who have continued their study of theatre at a higher level are pursuing careers in performing, teaching, theatre administration and business.
More information can be found here.
Component 1 : Understanding Drama
What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed
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Questions
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Component 2 : Devising Drama (Practical)
What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed
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| This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA. |
Component 3 : Texts in Practice (Practical)
What’s assessed
Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1 |
How it’s assessed
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| This component is marked by AQA. |
Practical Work
Students create a devised drama in year 10 and a scripted in year 11 for final assessment; as our Drama department is exceptionally well resourced, we are able to offer various ‘pathways’ through the practical components. We currently offer:
- Acting
- Lighting
- Sound
- Set Design
- Costume Design
Whichever pathway you choose, you will be fully supported to achieve your absolute best (and have a fabulous time doing it).
Structure of the Course
Year 9 allows students to experiment with pathways and develop their knowledge and practical skills. Students will undertake a range of practical assessments (scripted and unscripted) and written tasks to ensure rapid progress. They will learn the first section of content required for their written examination at the end of year 11: stage space, theatre shapes and theatre roles.
In year 10 students have their final Devised (unscripted) Drama assessment in their chosen pathway (acting, lighting, sound, set, costume) and will complete the accompanying written coursework. They will study and explore their set text,, ’Hansel and Gretel’ by Carl Grose, a lively play full of puppetry, contraptions and magic in preparation for their final written examination.
Year 11 students learn the final element of the written examination: live theatre. We arrange a trip to the theatre and watch a play which students will analyse and evaluate. In the spring term, students will take their practical examination in a pathway of their choice (acting, lighting, sound, set, costume) based on two extracts of a script.
Should I choose GCSE Drama?
Choose Drama if you are excited by performance, prefer learning in a practical way, enjoy working in a group, love being creative and enjoy communicating your ideas.
We are very proud of our students; we constantly outperform other schools and the National pass rate and have excellent results:
| Year | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4-9 |
| 2018 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 85% |
| Year | A* | A | B | C | D | E | A*-C |
| 2017 | 5 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 86% |
| 2016 | 7 | 14 | 8 | 7 | 3 | – | 92% |
| 2015 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 10 | 5 | – | 88% |
| 2014 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 15 | 6 | 2 | 82% |
If you have any further questions, please come and see us or email: s.leftwich-lloyd@thepolesworthschool.com