Drama At The Levels School
This Edexcel GCSE course develops students' ability to analyse and critique performance work. The course explores and evolves the student's knowledge of performance (Vocal & Physical, Theatrical Styles, Scripted and Improvised Performance, Puppetry, and Mask-work), and also touches on technical aspects, such as Set, Costume, Sound Design, and others.
It is graded from a final written exam on the set play they have studied (40%), an externally assessed performance taken from a study text (20%), and finally from a student-devised performance piece and accompanying development portfolio (40%).
All students will be involved in performance work, either performing or in a backstage/design capacity. The students will also attend performances outside of school and will develop critical vocabulary to assess professional performances. This will be the foundation of their written work, where they reflect on themes and performance styles.
This is an excellent choice for students at The Levels School who wish to develop their public speaking and other social-skills, and it's great for developing students’ self-esteem. This course will stretch students who have previously performed and challenge their preconceptions of themselves as performers. It links easily with Art & Design subjects, with many transferable skills.
For those students who wish to develop their performance skills post-16, it is an excellent grounding to take into any BTEC or A-Level Performance-based course. Transferable skills open opportunities to public services, leisure & tourism and any project-management orientated course.
GCSE
At The Levels School, drama is an option which any student may choose to take at KS4. We offer Edexcel GCSE Drama (9-1). The GCSE combines practical elements with coursework and a written examination.
| Component 1 |
|---|
DevisingNon-examined assessment, worth 40% of the total GCSE. Create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus (free choice for centre). Performance of this devised piece or design realisation for this performance. Analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance. Performer or designer routes available. Students must complete a portfolio covering the creating and development process, as well as a devised performance/design realisation. |
| Component 2 |
Performance from TextNon-examined assessment, worth 20% of the total GCSE. Students will either perform in and/or design for two key extracts from a performance text. Centre choice of performance text. Performer or designer routes available. This is externally assessed by a visiting examiner. |
| Component 3 |
Theatre Makers in PracticeWritten examination, 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 40% of the total GCSE. Practical exploration and study of one complete performance text. Choice of eight performance texts. Live theatre evaluation – free choice of production. Section A consists of one question broken into 5 parts based on an unseen extract. Section B consists of an analysis of a live theate production they have seen. They are allowed to bring in up to 500 words of notes to support them. |
External Links
| National Theatre | RSC |
| RSC On YouTube | Technique Critique |
| Actors Academy | iPlayer Films |
Holiday Activities
If you're looking to support your child's drama studies at home, try the following activities:
Watch theatre productions, especially at a theatre if you can but at home is also great. Some theatre productions can be found for free on YouTube.
