Drama

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Why should I choose Drama?

GCSE Drama is designed to allow students to explore the world of the theatre through acquiring the skills and techniques needed to become a performer and director.

You will learn how to explore material that has dramatic purpose and potential. This will be through devised work or through script. Your ability to interpret play text through practical exploration, performance and through the written exam is fundamental to being successful in the subject.

We will provide multiple opportunities to watch professional performances at local and West End theatres and throughout the course you will develop and build on skills that will last a lifetime.

How will I be examined?

  • You will be assessed over the three years through practical performance, written portfolio/essay and, in your final year, you will work towards completing a written exam based on a set play that we will explore over the three year GCSE.

In Year 10 and 11 you will study 3 components

  • Component 1: Devising; 40% of your GCSE (includes practical performance and written portfolio)
  • Component 2: Performance from Text; 20% of your GCSE (includes practical performance of two key extracts)
  • Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice; 40% of your GCSE (Written exam 1 hour 45 minutes)

What will I study?

  • Introduction to GCSE Drama
  • Non verbal communication
  • Devising through the Barbican Box project
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Scripted exploration)
  • Written exam set text study (Practical and written content)
  • Practitioner workshops (Brecht, Stanislavski, Berkoff, Frantic assembly)
  • Component 1 (Devising)
  • Component 2 (Performance from Text)
  • Component 3 (Theatre Makers in Practice)

Recommended text books, additional reading and online resources

  • GCSE Drama - DNA (the play guide) CGP
  • GCSE Drama - The revision guide CGP
  • DNA By Dennis Kelly ( Component 3 play text study)
  • Blood Brothers By Willy Russell ( Component 2)
  • Bouncers/Shakers by John Godber ( Component 2)
  • 5 Kinds of Silence by Shelagh Stephenson ( Component 2)
  • Hard to Swallow and Too Much Punch for Judy by Mark Wheeler ( Component 2)
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