Drama & Performing Arts
Key Stage 3
All students in Year 7 have one lesson of Drama per week. Students in Year 8 and 9 have 3 modules of six weeks. Modules include;
- Role-play
- Developing Dramatic Techniques
- Devising Theatre - using a variety of topics (Y8 Footprints;Y9 Hillsborough)
Students are given the opportunity to explore texts and issues as well as developing their performance skills.
Key Stage 4
We currently offer a BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting).
The achievement of the BTEC First Diploma has the equivalence of 4 GCSEs graded A*-C.
The qualification will provide you with a broad foundation which will help enable you to proceed into further training or education, or to consider employment in the performing arts world.
The course aims to give you a practical understanding of what a career in the performing arts world can entail, from business to performance, and it has a specific focus on acting.
The following units will be studied over two years;
- Performing Arts Production Business
- The Performing Arts Business
- Performing Scripted Plays
- Acting
- Devising Plays
- Musical Theatre
This is a practical course; evidence is made up of written coursework and performances. Students must be prepared to stick to deadlines as coursework marks need to be entered to monitor and track assessment.
Key Stage 5
A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies
In the first year you will complete two units.
Unit 1: Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play
This is a written paper which is worth 60% of the total AS marks (30% of the total ALevel)
-
One question to be answered from each of two sections
- Section A - response to live theatre seen during the course
- Section B - study of one set play from a choice of six plays
- Externally set and assessed
Unit 2: Presentation of an Extract from a play
This is a practical element and is worth 40% of the total AS marks (20% of the total ALevel)
- Performance by a group of an extract from a published play. The assessment also includes candidates' prearatory and development work and supporting notes.
- Internally assessed and externally moderated.
In the second year - the A2 part of the course - you will complete two new units:
Unit 3: Further Prescribed Plays including Pre-Twentieth Century
This is the written paper which is worth 30% of total ALevel. (30% of total ALevel)
One question to be answered from each of two sections:
Section A: The Recruiting Officer by George Farquar
Section B: Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker.
Section B is part of the paper is synoptic, requiring suggestions for a complete stage realisation of a short extract from the play printed in the paper.
Externally set and assessed
Unit 4: Presentation of Devised Drama
This is the practical element and is work 20% of total ALevel.
Students work in groups to devise and present a piece of original drama in a theatrical style of your choice. The assessment also includes candidates' preparatory and development work and supporting notes.
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Course assessment
Students take their practical examinations for AS and A2 on a date chosen by the school between 1st February and 31st May. Written examinations are taken at the end the academic year.
You will be assessed on your preparation for the drama presentation as well as on your performance, design or directorial skills as shown through the production itself.
You will also support your practical work with brief, structured ‘supporting notes’ that you will complete before the date of the practical examination.
What are the entry requirements?
Ideally you will have some experience of Drama both in school and in an extra curricular capacity. You will also have achieved a C or above in English, and, in addition,
have the interest and potential to succeed in achieving the qualification.
How can I find out more?
See the AQA website: www.aqa.org.uk
Key Stage 5
BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts(Acting)
The BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts (Acting) explores the multi-faceted world of performing arts by educating and training you in a range of performance skills, but allows you to focus on the essential
techniques and disciplines needed for a career involved with the acting
profession. The qualification will give you insight into the different career paths that someone interested in the performing arts may want to follow, and can help you progress in an existing career or move on to further study.
Y12
Acting Auditions
Devising Plays
Singing skills for Acting and Dancers
Performing to an Audience (worth 2 units)
Principles of Acting
Y13
Performance Workshop
Performing Arts Business
Musical Theatre
Theatre in Education
Storytelling as Performance
This is a practical course; it has a specific focus on acting.
Evidence is made up of written coursework and performances. Students must be prepared to stick to deadlines as coursework marks need to be entered to monitor and track assessment.
The achievement of the BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts (Acting) has the equivalence of two GCE A Levels, and it is possible for you to progress further into higher education, as successful BTEC
National qualifications give UCAS points for university applications.
What are the entry requirements?
Fundamentally you should have a broad education including, for example, a BTEC First in Performing Arts and/or four GCSEs (graded C or above) and, in addition, the interest and potential to succeed in achieving the qualification.
How can I find out more?
Speak to our current students or see the Edexcel website – www.edexcel.org.uk/btec