Course Content
Drama and Theatre Studies is a combination of practical, practitioner influenced workshops and written analysis and reflection. Workshops will be challenging, fast paced and engaging and require students to research performance genres, director influence on contemporary theatre and the history of theatre. The course covers performance, technical and directing skills and also requires the study of politics, history and literature to support the development of a broad understanding of theatre.
Lesson Structure
Lessons will be a combination of theory and practise. Practical workshops are supported by written research and reflection to link with the assessment structure which is a combination of practical and written exams.
Assessment Pattern
The course will be examined through a combination of 40% written exam and 60% practical reflection using the following criteria:
Component 1: Theatre Workshop
Non-exam Assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated, 20% of qualification.
Learners are assessed on either acting or design.
Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text chosen from a list supplied by WJEC. The piece must be developed using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company. Learners must produce: a realisation of the performance or design and a creative log.
Component 2: Text in Action
Non-exam Assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner, 40% of qualification.
Learners are assessed on either acting or design. Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus supplied by WJEC:
- A devised piece using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company (a different practitioner or company to that chosen for Component 1)
- An extract from a text in a different style chosen by the learner. Learners must realise their performance live for the visiting examiner. Learners choosing design must also give a 5-10 minute presentation of their design to the examiner. Learners produce a process and evaluation report within one week of completion of the practical work.
Component 3: Text in Performance
Written Examination: 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of qualification.
Learners study three play scripts in the context of practical performance: Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen, Saved by Edward Bond and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon. The exam features questions on design, rehearsal, acting and the influence of contemporary theatre practise.