Board: WJEC 2009
About the subject
The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing OR production role. Collyers’ has an excellent reputation for the quality of its drama work, with many of our students progressing to the top Universities and Drama Schools in the country.
Not only will candidates get the opportunity to work on devised, contemporary and classical plays but there are numerous theatre visits throughout the year, including a West End residential. We have two fully rigged performance spaces (The Duckering Hall and The Memorial Hall) with technicians ready to assist you in all your projects.
Candidates will be expected to purchase set texts and pay for a variety of theatre trips during the course. It is recommended that you dress comfortably in order to participate in practical work. For extra information contact our subject leader for Drama – nk@collyers.ac.uk.
Learning styles
You will also be required to write about drama and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. Candidates will be assessed on their competence in applied practical skills, their appreciation of plays from a director’s, a designer’s and an actor’s viewpoint, their knowledge of theatrical influences and their appreciation of selected practitioners. The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays and playwrights.
Subject Combinations and Progression
Drama & Theatre Studies provides an excellent addition to any rigorous programme of study. Many students seek to combine their interest in theatre with Media Studies, Performance Studies, Psychology, English, Maths or Design.
Subject Modules and Assessment
AS Level:
DA1: Performance workshop (20%) (AS)
For this unit candidates will either act in a group or contribute their chosen technical production skill to a performance from a set text and a devised piece linked to this text. They will work on the ideas of two practitioners. The unit is internally marked and externally moderated.
DA2: Text in Performance (30%) (AS)
Written (open text) exam based on two set texts and one theatre review. The unit is externally marked.
A2 Level:
DA3: Performance on a set theme (30%) (A2)
Candidates will be expected to work in response to a set theme and prepare two performances (one extract and one devised). An evaluation of performance work for both pieces will be required. The unit is externally marked.
DA4: Text in Context (20%) (A2)
Written (open text) exam based on two set texts and one unseen play. The unit is externally marked.
All modules can be sat in January and in June
Entry requirements
Grade C in English Language – No previous Drama experience required.