Exam board
EDUQAS
Specification
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What is the qualification?
One full GCSE awarded at grades 9 – 1.
What will students be doing on the course? How will it be structured?
Component 1: Devising Theatre. Students explore a range of performance genres, design concepts (costume/makeup/set) and create an original performance or design and create a set or costume from a stimulus set by the exam board. This is worth 40%.
Component 2: Performing from a text. Students perform two extracts of a play of their choice to a visiting Eduqas examiner or design and create a set or costume for the performers. This is worth 20% of the qualification.
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre. Students will study a complete play through practical application and watch a live performance and analyse these during a written examination. This is worth 40% of the mark.
Students will visit a range of live performances across the country, watch touring theatre companies and explore a wide range of theatre genres including physical theatre, naturalism and surrealism to aid their exam work. Students will work both individually and in groups and will be able to tailor the course to their own learning style and preference.
Assessment
60% performance and exploration.
Component 1 (non-exam assessment): There will be opportunities for students to perform to the teacher and be internally assessed and then these devised pieces will be externally moderated. During these explorations, students will be awarded marks for their collaboration, supporting notes, and the final performance of the piece. Students can choose between designer and actor roles.
Component 2 (non-exam assessment): The performance of an extract from a play will be externally assessed by a visiting examiner. Students can choose between designer and actor roles.
Component 3: Students will answer questions on a set text studied and a live performance seen.
40% written examination, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What skills do students need to develop to be successful at this course?
To be successful in drama students must develop their creativity, communication and teamwork skills as all of the units will involve group work and collaboration. Students will also develop their design, improvisation and acting skills, alongside leadership skills. A real sense of collaborative spirit is an asset. Students will be expected to meet deadlines in order to be successful.
What could this qualification be used for?
This course provides a good basis for further study of drama in either A Level Drama and Theatre Studies or Level 3 Performing Arts courses. It would also support applications for art, photography, fashion and design, English, law, marketing, psychology and sociology. In addition it will develop students’ level of confidence, soft skills social skills and help with future college and job interviews as well as any career that works with people and communities.