Drama &Theatre Studies A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

A level Drama & Theatre AQA7262

Drama & Theatre at A level has been designed to provide an exciting, creative, and challenging programme of study. Students will develop an understanding of the most influential practitioners that shaped the world of theatre and acting as an art form. Those on the course will have an opportunity develop and refine their skills as actors, directors, and designers. Successful students will demonstrate a confident application of their understanding of theatre as an art form through creating and work shopping exciting and original performances.

Course Details

Component 1: Drama and theatre

This exam-based component asks you to explore and workshop two play texts in order to gain an understanding of how they work in performance. You will experience live theatre that you will be expected to analyse and critique in the form of a theatre review. This unit will ultimately develop your understanding of the way playwrights structure their work and how this work can come to realisation on stage.
40% of A-level

Component 2: Creating original drama (practical)

This component will see you participate in and analyse the process of working in a theatre company. Starting with stimuli set by your tutors you will work within a group dynamic to make an original and exciting piece of theatre for an examined performance. As a successful student your piece will demonstrate your understanding of key theatre practitioners and your overall understanding of theatre as an art form. You will be expected to create a ‘working notebook’ that sees you evaluate, in-depth, the process and performance and your role within this it.

30% of A-level

Component 3: Making theatre (practical)

This component has been designed to allow you to develop and refine your skills as an actor. You will explore three different texts practically and select an extract from each to present as a full performance. In doing so you will consider the methodologies of a theatre practitioner and use them to realise an interpretation of the texts. You will also complete a ‘reflective report’, analysing and evaluating your theatrical interpretation of all three extracts. As a successful student you will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the process involved in preparing for a performance and your performance will be confident and well-considered.

30% of A-level

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

The programme of study leads to the obvious choices of furthering your knowledge of Theatre at university or at stage school. The course allows you to develop transferable skills that would also aid you in subjects such as Film Studies, English, and History. The course also enables you to work as part of a team in a creative environment to produce stimulating work for a target audience. Leading a team to highlight the political or social implications of a play means that your communication and evaluation skills are constantly being utilised.