GCSE Drama
The Edexcel GCSE Drama course is an exciting journey into the world of theatre, blending practical performance with critical understanding and design skills. The course is designed to develop your confidence, creativity, and collaborative abilities, giving you the tools to create, perform, and analyse drama.
You'll explore a wide range of dramatic styles and practitioners, engaging in three core components:
- Devising – you will create, rehearse and perform and original short play as an actor or designer.
- Performance from Text – you will perform or design for two extracts from a script.
- Theatre Makers in Practice - Section A - you will answer questions on a set text exploring how you would realise the play practically in performance as a performer, designer, or director. Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation: You will analyse and evaluate a piece of live professional theatre you have seen, discussing the impact of the design elements, direction, and acting.
The GCSE is assessed through a combination of practical performance, a portfolio, and a final written examination.
Component One: 40% Practical work and a written portfolio. This is a non-examined assessment.
Component Two: 20% Externally moderated practical exam.
Component Three: 40% Externally moderated written paper.
A GCSE in Drama provides a solid foundation for further study in A-Level Drama & Theatre, BTECs in Performing Arts, or a Drama degree. Beyond the stage, the skills you develop are highly valued in diverse industries:
Creative Industries:
On-Stage/Screen: Actor, Voice Actor, Broadcast Presenter, Theatre Director, Playwright, Dancer.
Behind-the-Scenes: Set/Costume/Lighting/Sound Designer, Stage Manager, Arts Administrator, Producer.
Wider Careers (Transferable Skills):
Communication & People Skills: Drama Teacher/Educator, Drama therapist, Public Relations (PR), Community Arts Worker.
Collaboration & Organisation: Event Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Producer.
Useful websites:
https://youtu.be/UuYIV8JJ0SA (Characters from DNA)
https://youtu.be/5KwujlgvJjw (Plot of DNA)
https://youtu.be/wTcahwr-hfo (Themes in DNA)
Intervention and Extra Support
To further support the students in their Drama studies we will be offering some targeted intervention sessions for Y11 students. These intervention sessions will have a specific focus and students will be invited to them. We will communicate home when these sessions are if/when your child is invited. It would be much appreciated if you can encourage your child to attend these sessions if invited.
