Why Drama?
Here at the Abbey we follow the WJEC Drama specification which fosters candidates’ creativity, personal growth, self confidence, communication and analytical skills through the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding and the exercise of the imagination. It promotes pupils’ involvement in and enjoyment of drama as performers, devisers, directors and designers. It provides opportunities for students to attend professional and community dramatic performances and to develop their skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.
Through the study of this specification, pupils will be given opportunities to participate in and interpret their own and others' drama. They will investigate the forms, styles, and contexts of drama and will learn to work collaboratively to develop ideas, to express feelings, to experiment with technical elements and to reflect on their own and others’ performances.
By studying GCSE Drama, pupils will learn more about the subject and its contribution to social and cultural commentary and will come to appreciate that drama, whether intended for audiences or not, provides significant opportunities for expressing cultural and personal identity.
If they choose to take Drama, students will be required to attend extra rehearsals after school and at weekends in order to perfect their performances, and to be a supportive team member when working in a group. Weekend and performance dates will be announced at the beginning of the academic year.
The examination will assess your ability to:
- Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of Drama to generate, explore and develop ideas.
- Apply practical skills to communicate in performance.
- Analyse and evaluate your own work and that of others using appropriate terminology.
UNIT ONE (DR1) 60% Devised Practical Performance (120 marks: 120 UMS)
TASK ONE – 40% Devised Performance (AO1, AO2)
Candidates will devise a practical performance based on a theme, linked with a practitioner or genre.
- Internally assessed; externally moderated
TASK TWO – 20% Devised Performance Report (AO3)
Candidates will complete a written report of the practical work they completed in Task One, under formal supervision.
- Internally assessed; externally moderated
UNIT TWO (DR2) 20% Performance from a Text (50 marks: 40 UMS )
Candidates will be assessed on either their acting or a theatre design skill, in a scene from a published play.
- Externally assessed by a visiting examiner in April/May.
UNIT THREE (DR3) 20% Written Examination ( 50 marks: 40 UMS)
Candidates will sit a 1 ¼ hour written examination. They will be assessed on their ability to analyse one set text as an actor, designer and director. They will also evaluate their scripted performance for Unit 2.
External assessment takes place in June.