GCSE Drama
Examination Details: AQA 8261
Course Specification available here
Assessment Details
- Written examination (40%)
- Non exam based pieces of coursework (60%)
1 tier of entry for all pupils
Course Information
Written Examination/ Component 1 (40%) 1 hour 45mins 80 marks
The written paper comprises three sections:
- Multiple choice questions
- 4 questions on a given extract from Noughts and Crosses.
- One question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production
Component 2 Devising Drama (40%) 80 marks
What's assessed
- Process of creating devised drama
- Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)
- Analysis and evaluation of own work
How it's assessed
- Devising log (60 marks)
- Devised performance (20 marks)
Component 3 Texts in Practice (20%) 40 marks
What's assessed
- Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer)
- Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1
How it's assessed
Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks)
40 marks in total
20% of GCSE
Pupils must attend at least one organised Theatre trip in Year 10 and another in Year 11. These trips are a compulsory part of the course.
How GCSE Drama is broken down at The Heathland
Year 10
|
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|---|---|---|
|
Experimenting with the practical elements of the course: building on techniques for scripted and devising that have been used in KS3 and bringing them up to GCSE standard. Introducing Technical Theatre: exploring the basic technical conventions used in theatrical performance, including set, lighting and costume design. |
Introducing the set text: reading, exploring and experimenting with RSC’s Noughts and Crosses. This includes learning about the theories and methodologies of Brecht and Epic Theatre as well as the socio-historical context. |
Preparing for the written exam: looking at how to tackle the GCSE written paper ready for Year 10 mock examinations. Component 2: Preparing the devised piece for examination in October |
Year 11
|
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|---|---|---|
|
Component 2: preparing and performing the devised piece. The devising log is also due in October
Preparation for the written examination: building on and revising theory in preparation for the Year 11 mock examinations. This is explored practically and theoretically. |
JANUARY: GCSE Mock Examinations
Component 3: preparing and performing 2 scripted pieces. This will be examined externally by a GCSE examiner in March Further revision of the GCSE set text |
Preparing and revising for Component 1 |
Steps to Success in GCSE Drama
- Be enthusiastic in lessons – ‘Have a go’!
- You must attend all lessons and rehearsals (lunchtime and after school) to avoid letting others down in group assessment situations.
- Be supportive of others’ performance work. You can learn a lot from evaluating the work of other people.
- Be organised about looking after the notes and scripts you are given. Complete all written tasks diligently. This will help you in your coursework and final examination.
- Attend as much live theatre as possible. You live in London, theatre capital of the world!
- Be the leader – do not be afraid to initiate ideas. Listen to everyone’s ideas and select the best ones to try out.
- Listen to the advice of your teachers and act upon it.
- Think about the emotions of the character. Can you imagine how they feel?
- Think about your voice: pitch, pace and volume.
- Think about your body language, posture, facial expressions and gestures.
- Keep a journal of all the lessons in which you participate. Explain the skills you are learning or developing. Make sure you keep a record of the ideas you contributed and how others responded to those ideas and how you respond to the ideas of others.
Useful websites:
http://theater.nytimes.com/
http://www.whatsonstage.com/
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/art_dan_dra_mus/new/drama_overview.php?id=05&prev=05
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/discover
http://www.franticassembly.co.uk/
http://getrevising.co.uk/resources/drama_gcse
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
National Theatre YouTube Page
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261
