KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028 - Flipbook - Page 37
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Drama: Open
Subject
Subject group
Exam Board
Course
Description
GCSE Drama
Performing Arts
Edexcel
Component 1: Devising
The students will engage in a range of practical workshops to learn about different
theatrical styles, genres, form, devising techniques, explorative strategies,
performance skills and design elements. From this they will be given a stimulus,
and will work in a group to develop their own original piece of Drama. During this
process students will also create a portfolio of written work, recording and
evaluating their process. The final performance and the portfolio combine to make
up 40% of the final grade.
Component 2: Performance from Text
Students will explore a playtext. They will select two key extracts to learn and
rehearse. They can choose to either perform in and/or design for the two key
extracts. This is externally assessed by a visiting examiner and is worth 20% of the
final grade.
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice
Students will study a playtext and consider how they would approach the text as a
performer, a director and as a designer. The first section of the exam asks students
to explain their creative choices for the play. Students will watch a piece of live
theatre and the second section of the exam asks students to analyse and evaluate
specific aspects of the performance they have seen.
Examination
Information
Grades available
Controlled
Assessment
Information
Careers
Information
The written examination is 1 hour 45 minutes and makes up 40% of the final
grade.
Component 2: Spring of Year 11
Component 3: Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes (Summer of Year 11)
9-1
Component 1: portfolio 40%
The skills learned in Drama, including collaborative work, creative thinking and
confidence speaking in front of others are transferable and highly valued in a wide
range of different industries.
Drama GCSE can be a pathway into a range of performing arts based college
courses, including Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts and A Level Drama. This can then
lead into university courses and careers in acting, performing arts, drama, dance,
musical theatre, theatre directing, stand-up comedy, stage management, drama
therapy, puppetry and theatre design. It can also support a route into media, film,
law, politics, journalism, teaching and events management.
Further details
Staff Contact
Web links:
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/drama-2016.h
tml
Mrs A Rebbettes, Head of Performing Arts
alice.rebbettes@rmays.com
