Download as and a2 level drama and theatre studies edexcel

AS AND A2 LEVEL DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES EDEXCEL
Why study this Course?
This subject gives you the opportunity to work creatively in teams, planning and realising
performance projects, studying the historical, theoretical and practical landscapes of drama and
theatre. On this unique course you will encounter a comprehensive and diverse range of
practical, theoretical, critical and creative approaches to drama, theatre and a wide range of
performance styles and genres. You will learn theatrical concepts through practical and
analytical exploration of dramatic styles and the exploitation of theatrical methods. The
emphasis is on working with play texts, devised work, directing, designing and performing. Your
studies will always be informed by the views of directors, designers, performers and/or critics;
allowing you to develop your performance, design and analytical skills. We offer an exciting,
diverse and innovative programme which allows you to explore everything and anything
theatrically from Shakespeare to Webster to Ibsen to Lorca to Durrenmatt to Lavery. The AS
Level is divided into two units:
Unit 1: Exploration of Drama and Theatre 40% (internally assessed)
In your first year you will study two contrasting plays and one theatre practitioner in a practical,
active way, creating both performance assessments and exploration notes (3,000 words)
regarding both plays. You will also become a theatre critic and produce a piece of coursework
(1,000 words) that allows you to analyse the effectiveness and impact of the acting, design and
directorial elements that go into making a play come to life.
Unit 2: Text in performance 1 60% (externally assessed)
For Unit 2 section ‘A’ you will have the choice of either ‘Performing’ or ‘Designing’ a Monologue
- solo or a Duologue – pair work.
In section ‘B’ you will take part in a group performance from a complete play text as an ‘Actor’ or
a ‘Designer’ (costume, lighting, makeup, set and props, masks or sound).
Both section A and section B will be externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
In the second year you go on to study:
Unit 3: Exploration of Dramatic Performance
The A2 year is all about you as a performer/designer and/or director, requiring you to create a
unique and original piece of theatre (devising). This brand new work can be based on an
already established play or be the result of stimulus material, themes, ideas and issues.
Unit 4: Theatre Text in Context
There is also a written examination (two and a half hours) for which you study one play from the
point of view of a director and one play that is an integral part of theatre history.
Your Future - ‘We are such stuff as dreams are made on’
The ‘A’ Level has often led our students to further studies in Acting, Drama, Teaching, Technical
Theatre, Theatre Studies or Performing Arts in Higher Education at Degree or HND Level. The
performing arts industries are now Great Britain’s second largest employer, after tourism.
Drama compliments a range of subjects and is essential in improving communication skills,
building confidence and enriching presentation skills in a range of careers. Drama and Theatre
Studies is a challenging and fundamentally enjoyable subject. It is a subject which combines
both academic and practical skills and it mixes well with the majority of A Level subjects on
offer. You will develop important skills such as critical analysis and interpersonal skills, which
are highly valued by universities and, of course, by future employers. So….what’s stopping
you?! This is your chance to experience a dynamic, vibrant and enriching path of study; within a
department that has consistently produced ‘outstanding’ results.