WELCOME TO GCSE DRAMA GCSE DRAMA at Abbeyfield

WELCOME TO GCSE DRAMA!!

GCSE DRAMA at Abbeyfield School Course Title: GCSE Drama Exam Board: Edexcel Exam Board Website: Controlled Assessment / Exam Weighting: www. edexcel. com Devising – 40% Performance from a text – 20% Theatre makers in practice – 40%

How is the GCSE course broken down? Unit 1: Devising Requirements • Create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus • Performance of this devised piece or design realisation for this performance. • Analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance. (portfolio or voice recorded) • Performer or designer routes available. Percentag e 40% of your overall Drama grade. • Students will either perform in and/or design for 20% of two key extracts from a performance text. 2: Performance your • Centre choice of performance text. from text overall • Performer or designer routes available. Drama grade. 3: Theatre Makers in practice – written examination • Practical exploration and study of one complete performance text. • Choice of eight performance texts (likely to be An Inspector Calls) • Live theatre evaluation – free choice of production. 40% of your overall grade.

Why study Drama at GCSE?

Not a performer? Don’t panic! Designer routes are also available on this course!

Technical design – GCSE Drama This GCSE Drama course offers students the opportunity to take a designing route, rather than a performing route. If you are interested in lighting, sound or even costume design then this still could be a great course for you!

“We believe that drama can transform lives: not only for those who pursue a professional career in the industry, but for anyone who benefits from its positive impact on confidence, communication, team-building and story-telling”. Spokesperson for RADA.

• GCSE Drama will allow you to… Work imaginatively and creatively in group contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas. • Consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities. • Reflect on and evaluate your own work and the work of others. • Develop and demonstrate confidence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills.

GCSE DRAMA! It must be stressed, that group work and cooperation is a vital skill needed to complete the course. Students will be required to attend afterschool rehearsals at times during the two years to ensure their work is to the best standard possible. The best grades can only be awarded to groups of students who show commitment and reliability to their group and their work. This is an enjoyable GCSE, but students must realise that it requires selfdiscipline and lots of enthusiasm!

Where could a GCSE in Drama take me? There is a wide range of career opportunities for students such as: teacher performer director writer stage technician /stage designer playwrights casting directors media, marketing and management teaching in schools and colleges A subject such as Drama also builds communication and speaking skills. It can help young people greatly in the future when they might be attending an interview/giving a presentation/working as team/problem solving/meeting strict deadlines.

Some feedback from current Y 10 GCSE Drama students…. “It has allowed us to become much more independent. ” “The vibe is great! Always fun and enjoyable whilst learning at the same time”. “It has really helped me build my confidence!” “You can be whoever you want to be, whenever you want to be and enjoy playing characters completely different to yourself. ” “I have learnt lots of new skills and it’s really good to study a subject that is different to my other GCSE’s. ” “It’s a great learning environment and everyone is really supportive and positive. ” “Even though we are all from different friendship groups, we’ve all become really comfortable with each other and it’s such a supportive environment. GCSE Drama is definitely worth taking!”

This is the course for you if… You have a passion for drama/theatre/stage design. • You are a creative person who works well with others in group situations. • You want to develop your team building or social skills. • You can reflect and evaluate your work, which will be done through written pieces of coursework/portfolios. • You are interested in a career in the performing arts industry. •

Contact details… We really hope that this Power. Point has given you a clearer insight into the GCSE Drama course, and hopefully it has provided you with the information you require to help you decide if it is the right course for you. If you have any further questions about the course, then please do not hesitate to contact Miss Smith or Mrs Young who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Miss Smith – sks@abbeyfield. wilts. sch. uk Mrs Young – zey@abbeyfield. wilts. sch. uk