Drama & Theatre Studies

This is the A-level for you if you have a passion for performing and want to develop your knowledge and understanding of drama through studying a wide range of theatre productions and practitioners’.

Entry Requirements

6 in GCSE drama

If drama has not been taken at GCSE then a student may still be considered depending on their academic achievements elsewhere

Assessment

Edexcel A-level Drama & Theatre Studies is assessed through the following practical and written assessments:

Component 1, Devising

(Original practical performance and written portfolio). 

Internally assessed. 

40% of A-level mark. 

Component 2, Text in Performance 

(Practical group scripted and monologue/ duologue performance). Externally examined. 

20% of A-level mark. 

Component 3, Theatre Makers in Practice 

(Written exam). 

40 % of A-level mark.

An A level qualification in Drama and Theatre Studies can help you to develop your career path. You can continue to study drama at degree level and use it as a combination with a range of subjects including: English, psychology, media and other arts-based subjects such as history and law. The closeknit collaborative approaches, directorial experience and addressing an audience can help towards further projects which involve group work, public speaking and leadership opportunities.

Theatre Studies students have pursued careers in the following areas: drama, media, economics, law, social work, speech therapy, make-up for television, public relations and teaching.

A-level Drama & Theatre Studies offers you the perfect opportunity to work both practically and theoretically, in order to develop your performance skills and knowledge and understanding of drama. The course comprises of three components:

Component 1, Devising

Completed in the first year of the course and is internally assessed, this component is assessed with a practical performance created by the group, supported by a written portfolio documenting the devising process.  

Component 2, Text in Performance

A practical group performance of an extract from a published script and influenced by the work of a theatre practitioner. As part of this component, you will also perform an individual monologue or duologue from a different performance text. This component is externally assessed in the second year of the course. 

Component 3, Theatre Makers in Practice

A written exam comprising of three sections. Section A asks you to discuss the success of a live theatre performance you have seen. Section B and C are based on the exploration of two set texts and each focus on how you would approach a specified scene from the perspective of a performer, designer and director. This component is studied throughout the course and then externally assessed through a final written exam at the end of year two. 

Exam Board - Edexcel