This course aims to develop candidates’ creativity, personal growth, self-confidence, communication and analytical skills. It promotes pupils’ involvement in, and enjoyment of, drama as: performers, devisers, directors and designers. It provides opportunities for pupils to attend professional and community dramatic performances and to develop their skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.

Through the study of this specification, pupils will be given opportunities to participate in and interpret their own and others’ drama. They will investigate the forms, styles, and contexts of drama and will learn to work collaboratively to develop ideas, to express feelings, to experiment with technical elements and to reflect on their own and others’ performances.

By studying GCSE Drama, pupils will learn more about the subject and its contribution to social and cultural commentary and will come to appreciate that drama, whether intended for audiences or not, provides significant opportunities for expressing cultural and personal identity.

The course suits pupils who have a strong interest in drama, enjoy performing and working as part of a team.

Subject Contact: Mrs C. Hughes – chh@sjcs.org.uk
Exam board: AQA

How this course is assessed

Component 1: Understanding Drama (40%)
This is the written exam. Students study one set play in depth, analysing characters, staging, design and performance choices. They also evaluate a live theatre production they have seen, showing how meaning is created for an audience.

Component 2: Devising Drama (40%)
This is a practical component. Students work in groups to create their own original piece of theatre from a chosen stimulus. They are assessed both on the final performance and on a written or recorded log that explains their creative process, decisions, and evaluation of the outcome.

Component 3: Texts in Practice (20%)
Students perform two extracts from a published play to a visiting examiner. The focus is purely on practical performance, not on design or writing.