Component 1: Theatre Workshop (20%). Non-examination. Internally Assessed.

Choosing acting or design.

You will participate in the creation, development and performance of a deconstruction of an extract using the working methods of a theatre company or recognised practitioner.  You will also be required to produce a written portfolio or creative log of the process you undertook or a final performance design.

Component 2: Text in Action (40%). Non-Examination. Externally Assessed

Choosing acting or design.

You will participate in the creation, development and performance of a devised piece using the techniques of a second practitioner or company based on a theme provided by WJEC and an extract from a text in a style chosen by you based on the same theme.  You must also produce a final report, evaluation or performance design.

Or

• A 5 minute presentation of Design Concept (Designers Only)
• Set Design (including props)
• Costume design (including hair and makeup)

Component 3: Text In Performance (40%). Written Examination.

Section A:

• The Winter's Tale
• Rutherford and Son
• A Raisin in the Sun
• Father Comes Home From the Wars
• Home I'm Darling
• Company

Section B:

• The Bacchae
• Blood Wedding
• The Arsonists (The Fire Raisers)
• Death and the Kings' Horseman
• Brief Encounter
• Small Island

Section C:

Learners are required to study a specified 10-15 minute extract from a third contrasting performance text:

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This is a new-style linear A level course.  You will NOT be entered for an external AS exam (but will be assessed on one practical component at the end of the first year).  In the second year of the course, you will take the remaining external exams that assess content covered in the first and second year.  These exams (along with practical work) will determine your A level grade. 

• Students are regularly encouraged and supported with extra theatre visits that enable them to better contextualise their understanding of theatre and the work of practitioners thus influencing and inspiring their own work;
• Extra rehearsals further develop and fine-tune performance skills becoming a self selective process whereby peer exemplars and the work of recognised professionals are used to raise aspirations and the belief in students as to what can be achieved in a practical sense;
• Enrichment opportunities such as the selective, year one, Prospect Theatre Company, provide additional experiences that aim to continue the practical developments of the course and help stretch the understanding of the way theatre can be created, shaped and delivered.

Please see below for careers and labour market information for drama and theatre - use the refresh buttons to find out about different courses and careers, and use the left and right arrows to view more detailed information.

Q: What is the difference between A level drama and BTEC performing arts?
A: Drama is the study of this one art form, pure and simple.  We study texts from ancient to modern times, develop skills in acting, explore different styles of theatre and learn from watching live theatre productions.  Drama is an academic A level which includes a written exam and live performance exams which are both internally and externally assessed.  We promote a love and enquiry into the subject, developing both independence and a team ethos through fun but challenging content.

Q: What is the proportion of practical to theory study in A level drama?
A: 60% of your mark will be assessed by written work, either by examination or supporting written log based on your practical work.  40% of your mark is based on your practical work.  We teach the course as practically as we can, as the written work involves exploring theoretical concepts and play texts through practical work in class.

Q: What can studying A level drama lead to?
A: Our students are attracted by both a love of performing and designing to take up the study of drama; some will have ambitions to act for a career and will audition for drama school, more will choose to study drama (and perhaps another course) at university and this can lead to careers in theatre directing, play writing, theatre design, dramatherapy, teaching and communications.  Other students will go on to study any of the broad range of subjects which the college offers at A level, having benefited greatly from the self-confidence and social skills which they developed often due to the experience of collaborating in group work and performing in their drama class.

Q: What if I haven’t studied drama at GCSE?
A: We do not require our students to have a qualification in GCSE drama (although many do), as we are confident that we can teach you the skills needed to both act and write about drama at A level.  Don’t worry if you don’t have lots of experience, it’s talent and enthusiasm that matters!

Q: Why do I have to do an audition?
A: We run an audition to check all our students’ level of ability, as we are really keen to ensure that they have the necessary skills to do well in the course.