A Level Drama and Theatre Studies offers pupils the opportunity to study drama as an academic subject. Pupils learn to become young practitioners of this practical art form, in which ideas and meaning are communicated to an audience through choices of form, style and convention. The course comprises close study of a wide range of texts that have been selected to represent significant drama through the ages and plays that have been selected to represent 20th and 21st-century drama. The AQA course promotes balance between theory and practice, as pupils are encouraged to apply their theoretical understanding to become imaginative and independent theatre makers. AQA A Level Drama and Theatre Studies is a creative, experimental subject with ample opportunity to explore and develop work in a wide range of theatre styles and techniques. The course also requires high-level essay writing and analytical skills. Performance is fundamental to the A Level course and a grade 6 or above at GCSE Drama is an excellent preparation. Pupils who have not completed a Drama GCSE course, or equivalent, are expected to discuss suitability at the interview. Pupils enjoy regular trips to see seminal plays, new writing and to attend theatre conferences gaining an insight into all aspects of theatre production, writing, directing, acting and design. Pupils are also expected to visit theatres during school holidays such as The National Theatre, The Royal Court and The Old Vic to develop contextual awareness through experiencing a range of historical and contemporary theatre. A qualification in Drama and Theatre Studies at A Level will facilitate the study of specialist degree courses including Law, English, English and Drama, Playwriting, Theatre Design, Technical Theatre, Production Management, Theatre Arts, as well as Drama and Theatre Studies. In addition, the A Level is an excellent foundation for Drama School where pupils may follow courses in Acting, Directing, Theatre Design, Production and Technical Theatre.