A Level Drama & Theatre

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

Component 1 (40% of A-level) Devising

After exploring a range of theatre practitioners (including Brecht, Stanislavski, Frantic Assembly and Artaud) you will devise a piece of Drama in the style of your chosen practitioner. Using a play selected by the teacher as the stimulus for the performance. In addition to this you are required to write supporting coursework that details the process.

Component 2 (20% of A Level) Text in Performance

You will perform a monologue or duologue and as part of a group you will also perform a play with support and direction from your class teacher.

Component 3 (40% of A Level) Theatre Makers in Practice

You will sit a written exam on how you would act/direct/design the following two plays:

• Equus by Peter Schaffer

• Woyzeck by Georg Bűchner (translated by John Mackendrick)

In addition to this you will also write an answer to a question on a piece of live theatre that you will be taken to see. This will be in response to a statement set by the examination board such as “Actors are nothing without designers”.

This course will be taught in a group with a teacher. You will be expected to make an active contribution to whatever you are working on, whether it be a group-based or solo based piece of work: assignments will include both written and practical work. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, trips to the theatre and practical workshops. As well as performing in role, you will be asked to record and analyse your thoughts on other people’s performances, both in journal and note form. Actors, directors, designers and other production team members will be considered and International theatre practitioners will also be a focus. Good Drama and Theatre students find the course challenging because it involves them in something that is both creative and academically rigorous.

Component 1: Devising (40% of qualification) an internally assessed and externally moderated performance. Devised performance (10%) accompanied by written portfolio coursework (30%).

Component 2: Text in Performance (20% of Qualification) Two practical performance pieces (one monologue or duologue and one group piece) assessed by an external examiner

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (40% of qualification). This is a 2hr and 30 minute written examination