Drama

Head Of Department: Mrs C Bartlett
Contact Details: cmb@felsted.org  
Instagram: @felsteddrama

Exam Board: AQA   www.aqa.org.uk
Syllabus Code: 8261  
 

Why should I study Drama?
Many Felstedians have been inspired to pursue a career in the arts and have become outstanding in their chosen field. The Drama GCSE course is appealing due to the practical way in which it is taught and because it nurtures creativity and builds confidence and communication skills. Pupils can choose to develop as a performer and/or designer (lighting, sound, set, costume puppets).  Whichever option they choose, pupils can be sure to gather many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand their horizons. As part of this, pupils have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of theatre visits, perform themselves and to work with professionals within the arts.

An impressive set of academic results might secure a job interview but it is impressive interpersonal skills and confidence that will lead to the job offer. Within the course, pupils learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. They gain the confidence to pursue their own ideas, reflect and refine their efforts. Whatever the future holds, pupils of GCSE Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace.

Expectations of independent study
Pupils will need to commit to attending regular rehearsals in Year 10 and 11 for practical assessments. Furthermore, we expect pupils to take advantage of the many opportunities to attend live performances, both at school and as additional trips.

What skills will I develop  by studying this subject?
Performance & creativity
Confidence & character
Communication & interpersonal skills
Collaboration & leadership

What do the pupils say?
“GCSE Drama helped me to go from a person who was quite reserved, to one who is now much more confident. I now know how to perform and present to an audience, a skill that I will need for any successful career.”
“Drama allows me to explore my love of acting, of plays and of Theatre. My experiences on the course were vast and opened my eyes to the infinite possibilities of performance and live theatre.”
 

Assessment:
Component 1: Understanding Drama     40%
Written exam Multiple choice questions (2%), Set text (22%), Analysis &  evaluation of live theatre (16%)

Component 2:
Devising Drama  40%  
Practical Written log (30%) and devised performance (10%)  

Component 3: Texts in practice 20%  
Practical  
Performance of two extracts from one play (10% each)

 

 

GCSE Drama is a fun but challenging subject and it has given me a lot of confidence and important skills for later in life. Alex, Year 11