Drama and Theatre
Why study Drama?
The course demands practical, communication skills and the ability to create drama and theatre in a performing or production role. Students will be required to write about drama, to develop their powers of analysis and become informed critics.
The course will involve devising and taking part in a drama productions as well as study plays and drama practitioners.
Students need to be curious about issues and ideas and have a creative instinct for communicating their views through drama. They may be keen acting, writing or the visual and technical side of theatre. An interest in live theatre performance and playwrights is important.
Why our students like this course
‘As well as helping me to improve my acting ability, doing drama has really improved my confidence…’
'I really love studying drama at Notre Dame, as well as helping me to improve my acting ability, doing drama has really improved my confidence. Also the teachers are always very friendly, supportive and committed to the subject, and they always make the lessons interesting and enjoyable. I have made lots of new friends through studying this subject as the whole group gelled together very quickly, and I am really looking forward to my next year of Drama!'
Entry Requirements
A GCSE in this subject is desirable but not essential.
Exam Board
EDEXCEL – Component 1: Devising (40%)
EDEXCEL – Component 2: Text in performance (20%)
EDEXCEL – Component 3: Theatre makers in practise (40%)
Course Structure
| Y12 Half Term | Unit 1 | Unit 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Metamorphosis | |
| Autumn 2 | Metamorphosis/Practitioners | Practitioners |
| Spring 1 | Devised piece | Equus |
| Spring 2 | Devised piece | Equus |
| Summer 1 | Lysistrata/Theatre review | |
| Summer 2 | Lysistrata/Theatre review |
| Y13 Half Term | Unit 1 | Unit 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Scripted piece | |
| Autumn 2 | Scripted piece | |
| Spring 1 | Scripted piece | Equus/Lysistrata/Theatre review |
| Spring 2 | Equus/Lysistrata/Theatre review | |
| Summer 1 | Equus/Lysistrata/Theatre review |
Where will this subject lead me?
This A-Level can lead to further study in Drama. Theatre Studies and Performing Arts in Higher Education at degree or HND level. It can be used as part of your course to broaden and enrich your studies and may lead to a career in the performing arts industries or within any professional role requiring public speaking, communication skills and empathy.
You can watch a great series of videos of people who are working in jobs that use drama on icould.
For example university degree courses careers leading from this subject click here.
Creative Industries: explore a wide selection of creative careers
Apprenticeship courses: Info on what an apprenticeship is and courses available
Norwich University of the Arts
NUA is a dynamic and creative community providing arts, design, architecture and media education.
Drama Induction Resources
Contact a Teacher
If you have any subject specific questions that you'd like to ask. You are very welcome to contact the relevant Head of Subject. To find their email address click on Teaching Staff. For general enquiries, contact the 6th Form Team.