Qualification: A-level

Exam Board:Pearson Edexcel

Entry Requirements:Grade 5 or above in GCSEEnglish Language and GCSE English Literature

watch our video about drama a-level

in-depth exploration of theatre

This course involves the study of theatre with a clearfocus on practitioners and understanding the different mediafound within the theatre: from acting todesign realisation.

The course also allows students to workshop andmeet artists from theindustry.

The course

Component 1 Devising (Any two plays suitable for a starting point)
Component 2 text in performance (Any 2 Plays that contrast C2 and C1 choices)
Component 3 Theatre Makers in practice; A live theatre review, Equus, Doctor Faustus

Students will develop either their performance ordesign skills, and further advance their skills of analysis as they are encouraged to think critically about theatreand interpreting life itself. Students learn how to analyse play texts, both historical and contemporary,whilst incorporating practitioners’ styles and methods.Equally, they will develop their written word throughin-depth critical comment on live theatre.

Components one and two explore a theatrepractitioner in depth and apply this knowledge tothe different texts being studied. This is a fantasticinsight into contemporary theatre and developseach individual’s understanding, creativity and abilityto analyse and evaluate their own response toprofessional works.

In examination students will be asked to respondto live theatre performances they have seen andextracts from studied texts. This involves skills of both critical evaluation and reimagining the extract for performance from the perspective of a performer and a designer. They will also have the opportunityto demonstrate how the work of their chosen theatrepractitioner has influenced their overall production concept, and demonstrate an awareness of theperformance text in its original performance conditions.

Assessment is split as follows:

• Devising (40%)
  Split between: portfolio (60 marks) and realisationperformance/design (20 marks).
• Text in performance (20%)
  Split between: group performance/design realisation(36 marks) and monologue or duologue/designrealisation (24 marks).
• Theatre Makers in Practice (40%)
  Split between: live theatre evaluation (20 marks);page to stage - realising a performance text (36 marks);and interpreting a performance text (24 marks).

Beyond the classroom

Our performing artsdepartment is veryactive. There are regularperformances and showsthroughout the year–both inside the schooland within the wider city.

We have good links with Sheffield Theatres (wheresome students havehad work experience)and other theatre groups,with many studentstaking part in performancesoutside of school time.

Students can also takepart in clubs within school,or take on a leadership roleworking with lower school students. There are regulartrips organised to local theatres, where studentsare encouraged to sign up for discountedmembership cards.

Examinations and assessment

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice 2 and a half hour exam,40% of qualification

Component 1: Devising (non-examined assessment), 40%

Component 2: Text in Performance (non-examined assessment), 20%

Progression

The qualification is a perfect accompaniment for students wanting to go on to any further education. It obviously significantly supports the arts and the study of law and media. However, it is supported as a gateway subject to any higher education subject and all redbrick universities regard its merit. Therefore, if this is your strongest subject, it should be a definite 'yes' for study at A-level. Stage and screen is a multibillion-pound industry in the UK andthis is a step in the right direction.