Drama and Theatre Studies AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: Performing Arts, Media and Film

Drama and Theatre Studies AS/A Level

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

The AS is studied in the first year. It forms 50% of the assessment weighting of the full A Level. AS can be taken as a stand alone specification, or as part of the full A Level course. The assessment of the AS is divided into two units.

Unit 1 - Exploration of drama and theatre

Element 1 – Explore two contrasting play texts in a practical way. Submit written coursework based on research and practical exploration of both plays. Element 2 – Submit evaluation of live theatre performance of your choice

Unit 2 - Theatre text in performance

Element 1 – Contribute to a group performance of a published play. Element 2 – Perform a monologue or a duologue from a different play to previously chosen. In either element you may opt for design and technical aspects over acting, although this is a more unusual option.

Advanced Level (A2)

The Advanced Level (A2) is studied in the second year. The course is divided in the following way:

Unit 3 - Exploration of dramatic performance

In groups you devise an original piece of theatre. Students are assessed on research, rehearsal, performance and their own written evaluation.

Unit 4 - Theatre text in context

Two and a half hour written paper in three sections. Sections A and B is writing about a play from the point of view of the director. Section C you study a play from a choice of three historical periods of theatre history. A live performance of a play from this chosen period must be seen and evaluated and a comparison made with the original staging conditions of the play.

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course is taught by specialist practitioners. Assignments are set at regular intervals throughout the course and a very high level of student involvement is expected in all areas. Performances are especially important and it is expected that evening and very occasional weekend rehearsals and performances will take priority over work or social commitments.

Enrichment

Trips to the theatre to view a range of performances are considered essential. Also visiting theatre companies regularly perform at the College. Options to take part in other enrichment groups, such as Street Theatre and the College Production will add a further dimension to your studies.

Method of Assessment

Advanced Subsidiary Examination

Unit 1 Coursework 40% of AS/20% of A Level – Internally Assessed Unit 2 Coursework 60% of AS/20% of A Level – Externally Assessed

Advanced Level Examination

Unit 3 Internally Assessed Devised Performance 40% of A2 / 20% of A Level Unit 4 Externally Examined 2½ hour written paper 60% of A2 / 30% of A Level

Resources

A new purpose built theatre space opened in September 2009. Classes are taught in this site specific environment with full access to a sophisticated range of lighting and sound equipment. There is an adjoining classroom used for theory work and exam preparation.

Progression

The Theatre Studies Advanced Level (A2) provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to Higher Education either to further train for the profession at Drama School or University. It offers a useful background for a career in the Humanities, Business or teaching.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is five GCSE’s at Grade C or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including English; any practical experience of theatre, technical or performance based would also be an advantage.

Charges

A fee of £30 is requested from each student as partial payment towards college organised trips to live theatre and workshop events. Students are expected to take part in theatre trips to London and Bristol where a charge will be made based on ticket price and length of journey. Financial assistance is available in some cases.