Year 13

Edexcel Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatre Studies:

Edexcel’s GCE in Drama and Theatre Studies comprises of six units. The Advanced GCE is the second half of the GCE course and consists of Units 4, 5 & 6.  It contributes 50% of the total Advanced GCE marks.

The aims of the GCE  in Drama and Theatre Studies are to encourage students to:

• Develop their interest and enjoyment in drama and theatre both as participants and as informed members of an audience, fostering an enthusiasm for and critical appreciation of the subject.

• Develop understanding and appreciation of the significance of social, cultural and historical influences on the development of drama and theatre

• Experience a range of opportunities to develop a variety of dramatic and theatrical skills, enabling them to grow creatively and imaginatively in both devised and scripted work

• Integrate theory and practice through their understanding of critical concepts and the discriminating use of specialist terminology

Curriculum organisation
In Year 13 students receive six periods of Drama per week and are taught in a mixed ability  group.  The main course book used is the Rhinegold Guide to Edexcel A2 Drama & Theatre Studies.
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 six 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 and reporting
Marking is diagnostic though examination grades (A-E) are given for individual assessments. Progress is reviewed with the pupils on a regular basis.  Individual subject teachers will set appropriate assessment tasks throughout the course.

Year Thirteen Course Description

The Year Thirteen course consists of three units of work.

Unit 4 (Code: 6344)
Devising
Teacher assessment of the making and
performing of a devised piece of theatre
20% internally assessed/externally moderated
Coursework

Unit 5 (synoptic) (Code: 6345)
Text in performance II
Workshop presentation of a student
directed play.
15% externally assessed practical

Unit 6 (synoptic) (Code: 6346)
Text in context II
Three examination questions based on the
study of two plays. Section A is based on a
director’s approach to a play and Section B
is based on performance analysis and
research.
15% externally assessed 2½ hour written paper

Extension opportunity:
Trinity Guildhall examinations in Speech & Drama grades 6-8

Extra-curricular Opportunities

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

• Students are able to extend their Drama skills by taking Trinity Guildhall Examinations in complementary studies

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

Useful websites:
www.theatrehistory.com
www.gradesaver.com
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk