A-Level Mathematics

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 Theatre Studies is a successful subject at A Level achieving 100% Grade C and over (2019).

The Drama Department is a thriving and creative community and we welcome you to consider the Drama and Theatre Studies A Level.  The course aims to widen your experience of plays, through practical work, seeing productions and studying texts.  Students work together on group projects and apply the theory they have learned to their practical work. The Drama and Theatre Studies course at our school provides students with endless opportunities to experience Drama with the aid of professional Drama spaces including the Drama Studio and the Annexe Theatre which are equipped with professional lighting and equipment.

Please visit the Drama pages on the school website for further information.

Courses Offered

A Level Theatre Studies (AQA)

Syllabus Breakdown

Assessment for A Level qualification:

Unit 1 – Drama and theatre 40% of A Level

Written Exam: 3hr

• One essay on a Live Performance that you have seen on the course. 

• Two essays on Set Plays (Antigone and Our Country’s Good) from the point of view of Actor, Director or Designer. 

Unit 2  – Creating original drama (practical) 30% A Level

Practical Exam

• Performance in a group of original devised theatre or Technical/Design for the performance.

• Portfolio of research into a Theatre Practitioner.

Unit 3  – Making theatre 30% A Level

Practical Exam

• Performance in a group of 3 extracts from published plays or Technical/Design for the performance of the extracts.

• Portfolio of research into a Theatre Practitioner.

Minimum Entry Requirements

In addition to our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, students will need to achieve at least a grade 5 in GCSE Drama in order to progress on to this course. However, students who have not studied GCSE Drama may apply for special consideration if they have an interest in theatre.

Why Study This Subject?

We believe that involvement in drama and theatre enables students to express themselves with more clarity and assurance. Students are encouraged to be independent through their research and exploration of dramatic texts and stimuli, to be reflective in their analysis and evaluation of the creative process and to be effective in their participation and co-operation in rehearsals and performances.

Wider Opportunities

The Drama Department is one of the school’s most exciting departments.  There are many opportunities for Sixth Form students to take the lead in our annual school productions, to participate in drama clubs with younger students, to be involved in Hertfordshire County Youth Theatre productions and some students even lead their own independent productions within the school.  In addition to this Sixth Form students can opt into Drama for their Year 12 enrichment hour and gain a LAMDA qualification or be involved in a Theatre in Education creative writing project.  The possibilities for our senior students are endless. 

Students are taken on at least five theatre trips during the year, which directly link to their assessment in the form of evaluating live theatre.  These trips are always greatly rewarding experiences for students. In addition to this they participate in theatre workshops with professional actors and they can use the dedicated Sixth Form Drama Library and the extensive costume and prop department to support their studies.  iPads are also used to enhance learning in the classroom. 

What Our Students Say:

‘Theatre studies taught me how to present an idea or a concept to an audience.  The ability to be able to produce reactions in people is essential in everyday life because life is one massive piece of theatre. ‘

‘I have no doubt that I will continue to use the skills I learnt in Theatre Studies to achieve my aspirations for the future.’ 

‘Unlike drama groups outside of school, A Level Theatre Studies has provided me with detailed theatre knowledge that has given me the confidence to apply for drama school.’

What Can I Do Next?

Theatre Studies and Drama can both be studied at university at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as a single discipline or as part of a combined degree with a vast range of subjects.  For example, you could go on to develop a career as a professional actor, West End performer or teacher.  However Drama and Theatre Studies doesn’t just lead to a career in the Arts Industry.  Nowadays employers are seeking to recruit individuals who can demonstrate key skills that are developed throughout the course, such as communication, analytical and creativity skills.