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Drama and Theatre

A Level / 2 year Course / AQA

Drama and theatre allows students to explore texts and practitioners from a practical angle. Learners discover how to turn the words of a playwright into a performance for an audience by studying text, ways of performing, acting, directing and design for the stage.

More on this course

During the two years of the course, students will complete a variety of practical and written elements which will prepare them fully for the final performance and written exam. Students will study set plays, watch live theatre, take part in workshops with visiting professionals and look at how historical people and events have shaped the way drama and theatre has grown.

Teaching and learning methods

Drama and theatre is a practical subject and the majority of lessons will be practical, based around exploring texts and styles of theatre. Students will create original, devised performances as well as perform extracts from existing plays, in the style of a chosen practitioner. When preparing for a performance, the lessons will be used as mutual rehearsal time, based around the practical needs of the performance. The learning will have a specific purpose and will culminate in performances to live audiences.

There is also a written element to the course and this will be taught in a more traditional classroom setting. Here students will develop their academic writing skills and critically review the productions they have seen. Students will develop knowledge of how to:

  • Direct theatre
  • Perform as an actor and design sound
  • Lighting
  • Costume and set for productions.

The course will have elements to suit all kinds of students and enable them to develop a variety of skills along the way.

Assessment

This course is assessed through two practical performances with accompanying portfolios of evidence each worth 30% of the A Level alongside a written exam worth 40%.

Skills and Careers Insight

A Level Drama and Theatre helps you develop strong communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills. You'll gain confidence in performing, directing, and analysing theatre, while honing your ability to express ideas and emotions effectively. These skills open doors to careers in acting, directing, theatre production, and drama therapy, as well as roles in media, advertising, education, and event management. Whether you dream of a career on stage, behind the scenes, or in related industries, A Level Drama and Theatre provides a solid foundation for a creative and dynamic career.

Subject Combination

Drama and theatre combines well with a large variety of subjects, both vocational and academic and will support entry to higher education courses. For example learners could combine drama and theatre with performing arts to follow a specific performing arts route or with business studies, media and other arts to follow creative events courses. Drama and theatre also combines well with English, history, classics and psychology due to the nature of texts studied and character analysis.

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School

I am very passionate about drama and I love the subject. The components and topics of the subject really interest me and I am excited to share that interest with potential new students.

Erin Urwin

Previous school - St Bede’s Catholic School, Lanchester

Drama is my favourite subject. I am able to explore a range of texts that will prepare me for my next steps, which is a career in acting.

Lily Langers

Previous school - St Leonard’s Catholic School

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