GCSE Drama

Curriculum Intent

Across the Windsor Academy Trust, we will develop the creative ability and high levels of confidence in all students to become artistic performers. The transferable skills developed will help to unlock positive attributes in leadership, communication, negotiation and empathy.

Course description

Exam Board: Edexcel

You will have the opportunity to develop and perform your own original devised work, as well as the writing of published playwrights. Set texts and written responses will require you to articulate how you would perform in certain roles, and design for certain scenes, putting practical work at the heart of this course.

Assessment

Component 1: Devising (40%)
In small groups you will create and develop an original performance piece. There are two parts to the assessment:

1. A written document that is 1500-2000 words in length (45 marks).
2. A devised performance (15 marks).

Component 2: Performance from Text (20%)
You will perform two scripted extracts from a published play.

1. Two performances of either a monologue, duologue or group piece

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (40%)
This is a 1 hour 45 minute written exam.

1. You will answer questions based on an extract from a set text from the view point of performer, director and designer (45 marks).
2. Evaluation of a live theatre performance (15 marks).

Key skills

You will develop the following skills:

• Transferable skills: confidence, communication, collaboration, negotiation and leadership
• Creativity: exploration and communication of ideas through a range of techniques
• Acting: performances produced from script or created by yourselves
• Analysis: playwrights’ works are studies, looking at how their ideas and themes are presented to an audience
• Evaluation: assessing and critically analysing performance as well as communicating how to improve

Where can it take me?

Post 16 courses are available for continued study, including A level Drama, offered at Windsor Sixth Form, A level Performing Arts and BTEC Performing Arts.

Career opportunities include:

Arts & theatre administration, arts journalism, director, actor, designer, playwright, stage management, theatre management, theatrical agent, technician, broadcasting, media presenting, education, drama therapy, education and script writing. Drama also builds skills such as communication, co-operation, problem solving, confidence and perception; skills you will find beneficial in any job.

Further information

Please contact: Ms K McAlinden - Curriculum Leader of Drama

Useful Website

www.edexcel.com

Key Stage 4 Drama Curriculum Plan