GCSE Drama

(Option Subject)

Exam Board: Edexcel

(if you choose this subject then you will not be able to choose Performing Arts Acting)

GCSE Drama is all about understanding what it is like to be in somebody else’s shoes.  You will play a variety of parts in different imaginary situations. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people.

The course is in three parts:

  • In part one of the course you will use drama to express your feelings and ideas about a range of issues. 30% of Final Grade
  • In part two of the course you will look at a play to see how a playwright expresses their ideas about a theme or topic and explore ways of making the play work on stage. 30% of Final Grade
  • In part three of the course you will have a choice of being involved in the performance of a play from an existing script or one you create yourself. 40% of Final Grade.

Will I enjoy the course?

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative. We have a new drama studio – complete with sound and lighting facilities. You will enjoy this course if you enjoy working as part of a team, as Drama involves a lot of group work.

How does it follow on from what I have learned before?

GCSE Drama follows on from drama work that you will have done at Key Stage 3 (years 7 – 9).  You will develop your improvisation and acting skills to a higher level.  You will also look at plays in more detail and look at different ways of bringing a script alive on stage.

Assessment

At the end of Year 11 you will take part in a play that you have created as a member of a group or rehearsed from a script.  You can either be examined on your acting skills in the performance or on your design and technical skills.  You will perform the play in front of an audience and the examiner will be present at one of the performances. This will make up 40% of your mark.

The 60% coursework part of GCSE Drama course consists of practical performance work and a written notebook of evidence.  During your course you will take part in 2 different workshops that will be marked by your teacher.  In one of the workshops you will use all that you have learnt about drama to explore your response to a range of material presented to you by your teacher.  In the other workshop you will explore a play and show your understanding of drama by taking part in a number of exercises based on the play.  You will be assessed on your practical work and on the supporting notes you keep during the workshops.

You can achieve grades A* - G in GCSE Drama.

What other skills might I develop?

As well as acquiring the skills involved in creating and performing drama, you will be able to acquire skills in working with others, problem solving and communication.  You will find that drama will help you feel more self-confident and prepare you to deal with a range of different people and situations.

Extra activities you could get involved in

All GCSE Drama students have the opportunity to perform in school concerts and shows. GCSE students are usually involved with the annual school production but this is not compulsory.

Every term GCSE students can go to a local theatre to see a live performance.

What could I do next with GCSE Drama

There are many things that you can go on to with a GCSE in Drama.  If you are unsure about what you want to do next, the best thing is to speak to your Drama teacher who will know about the choices on offer.

You can go on to take AS or A Level in Drama and Theatre Studies or a vocational A Level in Performing Arts or a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts or Performance, Design and Technology.

You may wish to take GCSE Drama for its own sake, perhaps to form a basis of a future interest or as part of a range of other subjects.  You might wish to go to a job where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course.  These might include careers in fields such as retailing, travel and tourism, sales and marketing or any career that involves meeting people face to face.  The study of Drama can help you develop transferable skills which can take you into any job or career.

For further information, please contact Mrs Milburn.

Examples of Jobs and Careers for Performance Arts: - Theatre Management, ‘Behind the scenes’ Work, Journalist, Musician, Music Technologist, Entertainer, Choreographer, Dancer, Actor, Presenter, Stage Management.