Subjects > Drama > KS4 (GCSE)
What is the course about?
This is a GCSE course run by AQA. It is a largely practical subject involving working in groups to prepare scripted, improvised and devised drama. Set text plays will also be read, discussed and analysed. You will learn about stage lighting, costume, props, set design and directing as well as developing acting techniques and skills. You will be taken to study professional performances and encouraged to see live theatre yourself.
Who is it suitable for?
You should enjoy practical Drama and be able to write essays confidently as most of the written work is in this format. This course builds self-confidence, communication skills, creativity and the ability to work as part of a team. It would be an ideal course for anyone wishing to work with the public, eg working with children, police, sales, teaching, banking, hairdressing, law etc.
A good attendance is necessary since it is almost impossible to 'catch up' with practical group work, and group members are dependent upon each other for their practical assessment marks. Severe problems in this area may result in removal from the course.
What will I study?
Practical Drama
You will work in groups of 3-5. Each practical piece will take at least 9 weeks to prepare and will last about 15-20 minutes. Marks are submitted for the best work completed during the 2 year course. Usually 4 practical pieces are completed and the 2 highest marks are selected. You are assessed on your rehearsals,
performance and the ability to complete a written evaluation of your work.
Written Work
You will learn how to analyse set plays from a performance point of view and explain how sections could be acted out. You will review a live professional performance by visiting the Theatre and making notes on the acting and staging which will later be written up as an essay. You will evaluate your own and others’ performances in school.
There is a written coursework element of a 500 word essay for each practical piece comparing your piece with another text.
Homework
There will be homework involving learning lines, reading plays, writing extended evaluations of performances you have been to see and completing research tasks. This course is very different to Year 9. There is a great deal of candidate choice in creation of the content of the course and group work.
How is the work assessed?
60% of the marks are awarded for coursework assessed by your teacher and 40% is awarded through written examination (2 hours – 2 essay questions).
For more information see Mrs Baddon