Why choose A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies?

Drama is a very successful subject here at Samuel Ward. Most students achieve above the national average for the subject and many go on to study for degrees in Drama and Performing Arts. The arts/entertainment sector is in fact, the third largest employment sector in this country and whilst only a few A Level Drama students become actors, all benefit from the confidence and socialisation skills much valued in today's workplace. For those considering a career as an actor, director, teacher or indeed any job where it is necessary to work extensively with others and give speeches, should consider Drama as an option.

Course Outline

The course is divided into four units (two at A/S and two more in A2) You will study the following:

A/S - Year 1

Unit 1 (40% of A/S - 20% of total marks at A Level)

Students are introduced two different play texts and they explore both of them in a practical way. We also look at a number of important Theatre practitioners such as Brecht, Stanislavski and Artaud to broaden your understanding of Drama and Theatre.

You will write up your experiences of the practical lessons and submit a set of exploration notes. During this part of the course you will also see a number of live theatre performances and write evaluations of the work seen.

Unit 2 (60% of A/S - 30% of total marks at A Level)

This is a practical unit that builds on the skills gained in Unit 1. You will have the chance to perform either a monologue (speech for one) or a duologue (speech with two actors) and also contribute to a performance of a professionally published play.

A2 - Year 2

Unit 3

This unit requires that students create their own original piece of theatre. The knowledge and understanding gained at A/S Level is now applied to an improvisation developed over the course of a number of months. Students are assessed on both the process of creating their own improvised piece of work but also the final performance to an invited audience. Students will also be assessed on their research and the development of ideas and will complete a written evaluation of the experience.

Unit 4

This is a written exam that requires the detailed study of one set text and one particular historical period of drama/theatre. You will be able to use the knowledge gained during the course and will sit a 2.5 hour paper.

Resources and facilities

We have a fully equipped Drama studio with seating for an audience of 200. We also have a Dance studio which also acts as a small studio theatre. We make frequent use of ICT and are equipped with an Apple Mac as well as a lighting board. We have a large library of books and DVD's.

Careers and progression

2006/07

A Level: 1B, 2C, 1D A/S: 2C, 4D, 1E, 1F

2005/06

A Level: 1A, 3B, 2C A/S: 1B, 3C, 3D

2004/05

A Level: 2C, 2D A/S: 3B, 4C, 1B

Entry requirements

It is important that you have gained at least Grade 'B' in either GCSE Drama and/or GCSE Performing Arts. In addition you will have passed GCSE English Literature. Experience in performing in productions in or outside School is useful but not essential. An interest in performance

Course Results

Sam Rice - 2005-06

Sam Rice gained a grade 'A' and is now studying BA (Hons) Acting at Middlesex University . He was involved in many School Productions and was assistant director with Mr Hedge during the Shakespeare Schools Festival in 2004 where we performed "Macbeth" at The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds. He described his time on the course as 'A fantastic experience'

Paul Gardiner - 2003-4

Paul gained a grade 'C' and went on to study Drama at Lincoln University . He took part in many school productions and at university has developed his interest in Drama. He is now planning to start his teacher training next year as a drama teacher.

Emma Blakeborough - 2006-07

Emma has recently begun a four year B.ed course in Primary Drama teaching having studied drama at GCSE and recently at A Level where she gained a grade 'B'.

Enquiries

Via Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College :

Mr. Peter Hedge - Head of Drama, Advanced Skills Teacher
Ms. Emily Summers - Drama/English
Mrs. Olivia Rudkin - Drama/English, Advanced Skills Teacher