Course information
Drama and Theatre Studies
Mander Portman Woodward School - Kensington and Chelsea
02078351355
90-92 Queen's Gate, LONDON, SW7 5AB
Course summary

Plays and performances have long been part of human culture. The theatre is a unique space in which the world, society and the human condition can be explored. It is a public place where the voices of ordinary people can be heard raising questions about the forces that shape our lives. It is furthermore an exciting place. The playwright invites the audience to observe the action whilst asking for their intellectual participation. In the Theatre Studies A level you will take a close and critical look at the playwright’s art. You will consider how different styles and social contexts can shape the interpretation of a script, influence a rehearsal and achieve a successful performance. You will learn how to look at a play from different angles: as a spectator, as an actor and as a director. The course will enable you to develop a deep appreciation of what is involved in a successful piece of theatre. In the first year, you will begin with the study of Lorca’s Yerma and Sophocles Antigone. This will involve both theoretical and practical exploration. You will also attend a variety of live productions which will be discussed and explored in terms of theatrical merits and style. If you opt to sit the AS level exam you will sit a written paper on both the studied text and one of the live productions seen during the course. You must also prepare a portfolio of work to accompany a practical examination of an extract of a play. In the second year, you will deepen your study of both Yerma and Antigone. You will be encouraged to continue attending as many theatre excursions as possible which could be used to answer Section C of the written paper. You will complete a 3-hour written exam answering questions on both studied texts and live production of your choice. You will perform both devised and scripted pieces of practical work which will be assessed as part of the A-level course. To accompany the practical work you must collate a working notebook and a reflective report which will act as the coursework portion of the course.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the MPW University Foundation Programme you must: • Be aged 17+ at the start of the programme* • Entry requirements: Successful completion of local high school (either 11 or 12-year system) with good grades • Meet our English entry requirements: • January 2 term programme 5.5 IELTS or equivalent (with no less than 5.0 in any single band) – Pearson PTE (42-49), TOEFL iBT (46-59) or Cambridge (162) also accepted. • September 3 term programme 5.0 IELTS or equivalent (with no less than 4.5 in any single band) – Pearson PTE (36-41), TOEFL iBT (35-45) or Cambridge (154) also accepted.

How you'll be assessed

For Component 1 (Interpreting Drama), students will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre. The exam will be an open-book written exam on the plays Yerma and Antigone that they will have studied. In Component 2 (Creating Original Drama), students will be assessed on the process of creating devised drama and its performance (students may contribute as performers, designers or directors). In Component 3, students undertake a practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts each taken from a different play. Extract 3 will be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performers, designerss ordirectorsrs). A reflective report will be written which analyses and evaluates the theatrical interpretation of all three extracts. Component 1 lasts 3 hours and is worth 40% of the A level. Components 2 and 3 are worth 30% each.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityKensington and Chelsea
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£34,233
Address90-92 Queen's Gate, LONDON, SW7 5AB