Drama and Theatre Studies

Course summary

A Level of Drama and Theatre is a challenging and demanding discipline both intellectually and artistically. It enables students to be creative, push boundaries, take risks and work within an ethos of experimentation. “Society is built on the ability to tell stories, to tell us who we are, to understand our potentials, to know our past histories – we need to understand who we are, why we are and what we can be.” Scott Graham, Artistic Director, Frantic Assembly Drama prepares pupils for a world that is increasingly team-oriented and allows them to explore emotions, acquire tolerance and develop empathy to navigate contemporary life. Drama promotes divergent and critical thinking, as well as honing skills in team building, decision-making, problem-solving and leadership. The performance elements allow students to develop presentational skills and public speaking. We follow the Eduqas course which engages students by encouraging creativity and collaboration, focusing on work that reflects innovative twenty-first-century theatre practice and theatre-making skills. Students will gain a knowledge of the history of theatre, key influential practitioners, challenging set texts, critique of live theatre as well as practical skills in performance, theatre design and directing, creating potential theatre makers of the future. Contemporary theatre is an integral part of the course and students will go to see a wide range of genres and styles of theatre throughout the A Level. Workshops with external practitioners are vital in extending the range of opportunities and skills across the performing arts disciplines. Students are encouraged to participate in additional theatre activities and supported to audition for prestigious companies such as National Youth Theatre. There is no typical Drama and Theatre student. Some are committed to pursuing a career in the creative industries whilst others combine Drama and Theatre with subjects some might have traditionally seen as incompatible. What unites them is a passion for the subject and a determination to be creative, self-starting and dynamic.