At Stonyhurst, pupils study GCSE Drama from AQA. The course offers the opportunity for pupils to develop their practical skills in Drama and enhance their appreciation and understanding of performance through devised work and a range of play texts. The two years study encourages pupils to develop an understanding and response to a range of scripts and dramatic styles, lifting Drama from the page to the stage whilst clearly communicating characters’ intentions to an audience. Increased self and group awareness and the ability to appreciate and evaluate the work of others is vital, as are the skills of creativity, self-confidence, concentration, self-discipline and communication. Finally, excellent social and expressive skills are an embodiment of the way the course is taught, all of which are tied into the notion of professionalism throughout the two years.
Assessment
The course is divided into 3 components:
- Component 1: Understanding Drama (theory) 40%. Written exam (1hr 45mins), 80 marks. Pupils are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of how Drama is developed and performed. This is split into 3 key sections: Section A – Theatre roles & terminology Section B – Study of a set text Section C – Live theatre production
- Component 2: Devising drama (practical) 40%. Devising log, 60 marks, devised performance, 20 marks. Pupils are assessed on their ability to create and develop ideas to communicate meaning, apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance and analyse and evaluate their own work.
- Component 3: Texts in practice (practical) 20%. Performance of 2 extracts, 40 marks. Pupils are assessed on their ability to apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance.
Further information Whatever the future holds for each pupil, GCSE Drama offers the opportunity for them to emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and the workplace. We are looking for reliable pupils with a determination to follow the school motto – Quant je puis.
Higher Line and Higher Educational Options
The AQA specification lays an appropriate foundation for further study of A level Drama & Theatre Studies.