Year 11

Edexcel GCSE Drama (1699)

Introduction
In Year 11 GCSE Drama is an optional subject.  In GSCE Drama students will learn about both Drama as a process, which is all about understanding what it is like to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes, and they will also learn about Drama as a Performing Art.  They will play many parts in different imaginary situations. They will have the opportunity to create their own work as well as look at plays written and performed by other people.
Skills Needed
Students will enjoy this course if they want to study a subject that is both practical and creative. They may have done some acting before or helped out backstage on a production. They may have always wanted to have a go at directing, acting, making costumes, creating a lighting plan or building a set, but never had the chance. Now Students will enjoy the course if they enjoy working as part of a team as Drama involves a lot of group work.
Curriculum organisation
In Year 11 students receive three periods of Drama per week and are taught in a mixed ability group. 

Independent Study
It is an expectation of the Drama department that students will keep a diary of their Drama activities which will be written up following every lesson.  The expectation is that students will spend a minimum of three hours a week on independent study for Drama.  Some of this will be directed homework set by the teacher while the rest will be independent research and study, wider reading or rehearsals.  Students are expected to complete a log of these hours at the end of each week and provide some tangible evidence of these independent study hours.

Once a rehearsal schedule has been negotiated students are expected to stick to it.  Drama students are expected to prioritise their rehearsal schedules over their social lives.

Assessment

The Year 11 course is taught and assessed as two separate papers, each lasting approximately one term.

Paper 1: Drama Exploration
This paper is worth 60% of the total marks and is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Paper 2: Performing text:
This paper is worth 40% of the total marks and is externally assessed.
 
Marking is diagnostic though GCSE grades are given for individual assessments and reviewed with the pupils on a regular basis.  Individual subject teachers will set appropriate assessment tasks throughout the course. However, three standardised assessments are made during the course of the year, details of which are contained in the curriculum outline below. Assessment is a planned part of every lesson, and self-assessment is part of every pupil’s normal pattern of working in drama. 

Extra-curricular Opportunities

• Students are able to participate in the annual whole school show either as performers or in a technical capacity.

• Theatre visits are organised when appropriate pieces of theatre are staged locally.

Year 11 Course Description

The examination is comprised of two papers;

Term One:  Paper 1: Drama Exploration (60%) Unit One: Improvisation
In part one (Coursework: paper one unit one) you will use the skills and techniques of Drama to express your feelings and ideas about a range of issues.

Unit Two: Exploring a script
In part two (Coursework: paper one unit two) you will look at a play to see how the writer expresses his/her ideas about a theme or topic and explore ways of making the play work on stage and in performance.

Assessment
The 60% coursework part of the GCSE Drama course consists of two practical units of work which are internally assessed and externally moderated.
A mark out of 60 is given for each unit, giving a total mark out of 120 for this paper.

In each of the two units:

• 20 marks are available for the Response Phase
• 20 marks are available for the Development Phase
• 20 marks are available for the Evaluation Phase

For each of the two units candidates will produce a portfolio of written evidence which supports the practical work. The written portfolio will be completed after students have taken part in a final six hour practical workshop led by their teacher. Students will be assessed on their practical involvement and the written portfolio which will support their contribution to the workshop.
For each of the two units 3 sheets of A4 (both sides) or 3 sheets of A3 (single sided only) may be submitted.  These limits must be adhered to strictly.  The written coursework may be presented in essay form or in pictorial and diagrammatic form.  A combination is also acceptable. 

Area of Study - Term Two:   Paper 2: Performing text (40%)

For paper 2 students prepare and rehearse for the final examination performance which will take place at the beginning of term 3. 
The examination element is a practical performance worth 40% of the total marks. Students contribute to the performance of a play that they have created as a group or rehearsed from an existing script. Students may either be examined on their acting skills or on their design/technical skills (stage design, costume-making, makeup, and lighting). The play will be performed in front of an audience.
The length of each performance will depend upon the number of candidates in the group but the minimum should be approximately 15 minutes and the maximum 45 minutes.

Area of Study - Term Three: Paper 2: Performing text

Final practical examination performance

Extension opportunity: Trinity Guildhall Grade 6/7 examination in Group Drama: Devised (January)

Useful Websites to support learning:
www.theatrehistory.com
www.doollee.com
www.londontheatre.co.uk/londontheatre/reviews/index.htm
www.guardian.co.uk/theatre/drama