Drama & Theatre Studies AS/A2

Drama & Theatre Studies AS/A2 · AQA

AQA’s new specification for Drama and Theatre Studies is designed to:

• Enable students to gain an entry qualification on HE courses.
• Develop students’ skills in practical drama.
• Offer students a wide choice of set plays for study and the opportunity to write about live productions.

The AS Specification has two units:

Unit 1: Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play

• Candidates’ personal response to live theatre.
• Interpretation of a set play from a performance perspective.

Assessment
Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (100 marks)

Weighting: 60% of total AS marks / 30% of total A Level marks

Unit 2: Presentation of an Extract from a Play

• Working in groups to develop and present an extract from a published play.
• Study of an influential director, designer, theatre company linked to the candidate’s practical work.

Assessment
Practical: 80 marks. Weighting: 40% of total AS marks / 20% of the total A Level marks.
Performance by a group of an extract from a published play. The assessment also includes candidates’ preparatory and development work. The A2 Specification has two units:
A2 provides candidates with the opportunity to develop and extend skills gained at AS level. Candidates will demonstrate a more advanced level of performance and production skills, think independently, make judgements and refine their work in the light of research. They will also analyse the ways in which different performance and production elements are brought together to create theatre.

Unit 3: Further Prescribed Plays including Pre-Twentieth Century

• Study of a set pre 20th century play
• Study of a set 20th century play

Assessment
Written Paper: 2 hours 100 marks

Weighting: 30% of total A Level marks

Unit 4: Presentation of Devised Drama

• Students work in groups to develop and present a devised drama in a theatrical style of their choice
• Students research into a theatrical style chosen by the group for their practical work.

Assessment
Practical: 80 marks. Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks

Performance by a group of devised drama. The assessment also includes candidates’ preparatory work and supporting notes.