Clayesmore

Sixth Form A-level Courses Drama and Theatre Studies

Drama and Theatre Studies

Board: AQA

Syllabus: AS – 1241; A2 – 2241

Modules

1. AS Live theatre production and prescribed play – For this unit you have to write about live theatre seen during the course and study “Oh What a Lovely War”
2. Presentation of an extract from a published play – The assessment includes candidates’ preparatory and development work, and supporting notes.
3. A2 Further study of prescribed plays
4. Presentation of Devised Drama – Students have to work as a group, and the assessment includes candidates’ preparatory and development work, and supporting notes.

Method of Assessment

AS 1½ hour written exam (30%), and Practical Performance (20%)

A2 2 hour written exam (30%), and Practical Performance (20%)

Further information

One of the aims of Theatre Studies is to help you to develop your ability to ‘read’ a whole performance; to understand that the greater part of a play’s meaning cannot be written down in the script. Looking only at the script would be like trying to understand War and Peace having read only the first line of each page.

You will also have the chance to pursue your interests and develop your skills in a range of practical ways including acting, directing, costume, setting, mask and technical design.

The specification offers you the freedom to choose both the content and the form of your practical presentations at each level. At AS, you perform an extract from a play, selected to illustrate your understanding of an influential director, designer, theatre company or other practitioner. At A2, you devise drama on any topic to be performed in a theatrical style of your choice.

However, the requirements of the specification, with its 60% written paper weighting, also enable you to gain an entry qualification for courses in higher education, whether in the area of drama and theatre studies or in a host of other subjects. Both the AS and A2 courses require you to study a number of exciting plays.

It is a terrifically exciting course, offering you the chance to develop your imaginative and creative skills as well as your academic ability.