GCSE Drama

Title of qualification

GCSE Drama

Exam Board

Pearson Edexcel

what will i learn?

Component 1 - Devising

Completed at the end of Year 10.  You will explore and learn a range of devising skills in order to create your own performances successfully.  You will learn about new theatrical styles, techniques, and practitioners to enhance your work.

You will explore a myriad of different stimuli to practise devising your own work which will facilitate the creation of your final performance.  This will be recorded and sent off to a moderator to mark.  Alongside your practical work you will complete a 2000 word portfolio which will analyse your devising process and creative decisions.

Component 2 – Performance from a text

This component will be completed at the start of Year 11.  You will learn how to stage a script and will perform two scenes from a published play text in front of a GCSE examiner.

Component 3 - Theatre makers in practice

Completed at the end of Year 11.  You will practically learn about the plot, characters and core themes of the play text 1984 by George Orwell.  You will learn technical terminology for staging aspects of theatre such as lighting , sound, set and costume designs.  This will then help you apply this knowledge to answer the GCSE examination questions.

In addition to this you will go to see a piece of live theatre and analyse the overall effectiveness of the performance; focusing on both acting skills and technical theatre.  You will again answer questions about this in your GCSE examination.

how will i be assessed?

Examination

· Component 3: Theatre makers in practice (1 hour 45 mins, 40%)

Non-examined assessment

· Component 1: Devising (performance of 10-25 mins, 40%)

· Component 2: Performance from a text (performance of 4-30 mins, 20%)

what skills do i need?

To be successful in Drama GCSE you will need the skills below throughout the course:

· High levels of confidence with a willingness to share performances in front of peers.

· Ability to work with others.

· Analysis and problem solving skills.

· A good ability in English literature and language which will be needed for the written elements of the GCSE.

· Creativity and imagination.

· Empathy to be able to understand your character’s story and journey.

 

 

what is next for me after this course?

Drama GCSE can lead to many potential careers such as: stage manager, drama therapist, playwright, broadcaster, actor (film or stage), director, radio, lawyer, social worker, events organiser, teacher, journalist.

 

what are the entry requirements?

There are no specific entry requirements for GCSE Drama, however, you must be interested in drama and understand that you will be required to perform your work regularly to the class.