Drama and Theatre Studies A level

Paston Sixth Form College

Grammar School Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Paston Sixth Form College

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Application Instructions

Step 1: Apply

Step 2: An account will be set up for you by us, on our Learner Hub portal. You will receive a message and link via Help You Choose when this is ready for you to access.

Step 3: On our Learner Hub portal, set your first choice course (ie 'A Level Programme', 'Early Years Practitioner Level 2', 'Creative Media Level 3') and book your interview from the choices displayed

Step 4: Interview (Course discussion) You will meet with an academic tutor from your chosen area of study for an informal discussion about your course choices, to ensure you have chosen the best course for your future ambitions.

Step 5: Offer Offers are given verbally at interview but you will also receive an email confirmation. All offers are provisional until the point of enrolment and most of our course offers are conditional, meaning there is an entry criteria you need to meet before enrolling. This will be outlined in your written offer. Sometimes we are unable to offer you a place on your chosen course. If this happens the reasons will be discussed with you at your appointment and we will look at alternative options with you. We will be in contact to confirm the outcome and what to do next. We also have a team of specialist Course Advisers who are more than happy to look at alternative options with you and answer any questions you may have.

Step 4: Enrolment Enrolment is the final stage before starting your course with us and takes place within the last two weeks of August. We require you to be available to attend your appointment in person at college, so we can complete all the required steps to enrolling you on your chosen course. We may ask you to bring some documents with you so please read your enrolment invitation carefully.

NB Our main communication with our applicants is via their personal email addresses - please remember to check your inbox for messages from us!

Course Details

This is a heavily practical course that is idea for those who are passionate about performance. This subject is an excellent choice for those who are looking to progress on to further study at university or drama school. It is also a great way to develop a range of transferable skills for the world of work.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?

You will explore a variety of topics and will focus on a range of modern and classical texts and plays such as Steven Berkoff’s Metamorphosis and Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist.You will learn techniques to help further enhance your performance skills and will take part in a range of live performances throughout the year.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

You will be taught in the College’s new, purpose built 150 seat Griffon Theatre by Drama specialists who have worked, or are currently working, in professional theatre in various capacities.You will also have the opportunity to join Paston’s student theatre company Far East which stages two or more major productions every year.

Alongside this, you will have opportunities to get involved in professional work related opportunities through our close links with local theatres, such as Sheringham Little Theatre and St. Georges Theatre in Great Yarmouth, and local and national theatre companies such as fEAST, Single Shoe and Improbable Theatre.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a course that allows you to develop self-confidence, work creatively with others to meet deadlines, solve problems and improve your attention to detail, analytical and conceptual skills, then this course could be for you.

HOW YOU ARE ASSESSED?

You will be assessed through written coursework, a written exam and a range of monologue, duologue and group performances.

THIS COURSE GOES WELL WITH…

A broad range of A Level subjects including English, Film Studies and Psychology.

Entry requirements

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 plus 5 at grade 7 and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or Russel Group.

Your next steps...

YOU CAN GO ON TO DO...

Drama and performance at universities such as Leeds, Kent, Hull, Lancaster, Warwick and Bath Spa.You could also look to train at drama schools such as East 15, LAMDA and Rose Bruford to study acting, musical theatre or stage management courses.

This course is well regarded by many employers and a good A Level subject for careers involving contact with people such as teaching, journalism, TV, radio and performance. Former students have achieved places in the National Youth Theatre and Youth Music Theatre UK.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.