Examination Board: AQA
Examination Title: GCSE 3241
What will you do?
The course will encourage students to develop:
- an understanding of a wide range of play texts, an appreciation of the ways in which playwrights achieve their effects and their ability to communicate the authors’ intentions to an audience;
- an awareness of social, historical and cultural contexts and influences through an investigation of plays and other styles of dramatic presentation;
- increased self-awareness and the ability to appreciate and evaluate the work of others;
- increased creativity, self-confidence, concentration, self-discipline and communication.
How will you do it?
Through practical improvisation, role="playing," movement and voice exercises, note taking, research, discussion, use of video, theatre visits and workshops
Coursework: 60% of the marks 120 marks
The coursework is internally assessed and moderated by AQA.
Candidates are required to present practical work for two options. The choice of options will enable candidates to experience both scripted and unscripted work. Assessment is based on the following three parts:
1. Response to plays and other types of drama;
2. Work in progress;
3. Final presentation – performance based.
Written Paper: 40% of the marks 80 marks
The written paper is set and marked by AQA.
Candidates are required to answer two questions, to be chosen from both of the following sections:
Section A: Set plays – The response to the play will be from a performance perspective.
Section B: Response to a live production seen during the course.
What can you achieve?
You will gain a GCSE qualification. The Drama specification provides opportunities for candidates to explore and increase their understanding of a wide range of spiritual, moral, ethical social and cultural issues The drama skills and knowledge of theatre will also provide a strong foundation for further study and career choices both directly related to the subject and in a number of wider areas.
Homework Requirements
Students are expected to complete all coursework and research assignments to meet specified deadlines. Deadlines are not negotiable.
Parental Support
Candidates are required to attend a professional or amateur live production at least once a term to fulfil Section B of the written examination.
Assessed performances require full commitment from each candidate. Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory. Absences and tardiness will not be tolerated.
