Course Information

Literacy
Numeracy
Communications
Creativity
Practical
Group Work
Examination Assessment	40%
Non-Examination Assessment	60%
EBacc	No
Examination Board	Eduqas
Course	Level 2

General Information

Drama is not just for those wanting to act!

Drama actively engages pupils in a wide range of creative, practical and culturally stimulating activities. The subject also helps to develop individuals as effective, confident and independent pupils and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.

The course works to develop competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills whilst encouraging pupils to work imaginatively and creatively in a collaborative context, generating, developing and communicating ideas.

Career paths in this subject can range from all areas of theatre work to teaching and beyond.  The skills gained will enable pupils to present themselves with authority and confidence in any context.  The transferable skills gained in this subject are highly valued by employers.  The subject-specific skills will develop a pupil's cultural capital.

The Eduqas GCSE Drama course provides a strong and appropriate foundation for further progression to Drama courses, including A Level Drama and Theatre Studies, and enhanced vocational and career options.  As this is a performance-based course, pupils must be prepared to perform on a regular basis for their peers and a wider audience.

What will I need to succeed?

• The ability to work well in a group.
• A willingness to perform in lessons and sometimes publicly.
• Good organisational skills.
• The willingness to read scripts, learn lines and research topics for background information.
• The ability to work to deadlines.
• The ability to creatively and explore ideas practically.
• The ability to communicate in good written English – this is especially important for the written Portfolio of Supporting Evidence and Evaluation and the External Assessment.
• A genuine interest in the theatre and dramatic arts.

Subject Content

GCSE Drama - Grades 9-1

Summary of Assessment

Component 1

Learners will be assessed in acting.  They will participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using the techniques of an influential practitioner or genre, in response to a stimulus set by the exam board.  Learners must produce:

• A performance of their original devised piece
• A portfolio of supporting evidence
• An evaluation of their final performance

Component 2

Learners will study extracts from a text, and bring these to life in a performance.

Component 3

Learners will complete a 1-hour 30-minute examination in two sections.  Section A is a series of questions on one set text.  Section B is one question (from a choice of two) on a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course.

The majority of the work undertaken is practical, however there are theoretical lessons.

What other subjects go well with Drama?

This course builds on and uses the knowledge and skills you learn in your GCSEs, particularly in English and Dance. It will also benefit your ability to think critically and to assume other perspectives on subjects such as History and Media Studies.  As this is a predominantly practical subject, it balances well with more academic GCSEs. 

What careers can it lead to after leaving Swanmore College?

Having a qualification in Drama can lead to many further courses and careers. Examples of the many careers include actor, front-of-house manager, camera operator, wardrobe manager, stage technician, and film producer.