GCSE Drama

The Drama curriculum includes the study of influential practitioners such as Stanislavski, Artaud and Brecht, embracing classical theatre and drawing upon contemporary issues and material to which pupils can relate in the modern world.  Pupils learn concepts, techniques and performance skills to present collaboratively devised group work and individual monologues. They also study set texts in depth from the point of view of writer, director, designer and actor.  The Edexcel Drama syllabus has three components – Component 1 Devising, Component 2 Performance from Text, and Component 3 Theatre Makers in Practice.

Students create and perform a piece of devised theatre around a stimulus for Component 1.  Alongside acting and devising skills, students also complete a Portfolio which documents the development of the piece from inception to performance to a maximum of 2,000 words.

Students complete a written exam for Component 3, which is 1 hour and 30 minutes in length.  Part of this is the study of a set text DNA by Dennis Kelly by exploring practically how the text may be interpreted and the analysis and evaluation of a piece of Live Theatre.

Drama prepares pupils for a world that is increasingly team orientated and allows them to explore emotions, to acquire tolerance and to develop the empathy to inhabit the characters they play. Drama promotes divergent and critical thinking, as well as honing skills in team building, decision-making, problem solving and leadership.

Information on the Edexcel course can be found: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/drama-2016.html

Contact for further information

Nick Huntington, Director of Drama: nh@wellingtoncollege.org.uk