KS4 Drama and Theatre Arts

Introduction

For pupils who love drama, performing and the theatre, this course will provide the opportunity for you to learn more about all aspects of the theatre, and to develop and extend skills leading up to performance work. It is not an easy course, but if you are genuinely interested in anything to do with the theatre and enjoy working with others, you will find it less of a struggle.

Curriculum Content

• The course will involve candidates developing their practical skills in drama and enhancing their appreciation and understanding of drama and theatre.
• Mostly you will work in small or large groups, but you will find it useful to do some research on your own.
• It would be useful if you liked going to the theatre and it is expected that you will be interested in this, but it is not a requirement of the course that you see or write about any performances you watch.
• GCSE Drama, like any other subject, demands that you do work other than in the lessons if you are to do well. Some of your homework, however, might be accounted for if you attend rehearsals at lunchtimes or after school. You will probably want to rehearse in school if you are preparing a performance with others in a group.

The course is divided into three parts:

• Using performance to consider themes and issues
• Using performance to study a stage play
• Practical examination work – choosing areas of study from:
Improvisation
Scripted performance
Set design and lighting
Costume and make-up
Properties

Assessment

Final assessments will be based on:

Coursework 60%
The coursework is mostly practical work, but you will only achieve a GCSE grade if you provide some written evidence of the practical work you have done and, be warned, analysing practical work requires practice.

Practical Examination 40%
The practical examination is practical work, but may include plans/diagrams/designs. Like any GCSE qualification, GCSE Drama and Theatre Arts cannot guarantee you a job! However, whether you are interested in working in the theatre or not, completing the course and passing the examination is evidence that you can communicate with people and work as part of a team.

 

GNVQ Intermediate Performing Arts

Introduction

This course is for pupils who love everything about the theatre and enjoy being part of a performance or entertainment team. A pass at the end of this course leaves candidates with a result equivalent to 4 GCSEs, hence it is a very demanding course but, for those genuinely interested in the arts, it should prove to be most enjoyable.

Assessment

Assessment is based on:

1. coursework consisting of practical work and a portfolio of written/pictorial evidence
2. two written papers

Curriculum Content

1. Unit 1 - Opportunities in Performing Arts
2. Unit 2 - Skills Development: Drama
3. Unit 3 - Performing Work
4. Unit 4 - Organizing and Evaluating an Event

Two units from the following:

• Reviewing Performance by others
• Creating Work for Performance
• Acting Techniques
• Running a Box Office and Front of House
• Performance Project

General Advice

• It is essential for all students to keep up-to-date with all written coursework and to complete a portfolio of evidence of practical work.
• Candidates are assessed on their contribution to preparatory work as well as final performances.
• Excellent attendance is vital for success on this course since pupils depend on each other to produce group work.

Specification Used

AQA GNVQ Intermediate Performing Arts

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