GCSE Drama

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GCSE Drama
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Why should you consider GCSE Drama?

• The course is exciting and well regarded.
• The skills you learn prepare you for life beyond
  the classroom.
• Our results are excellent. If you are prepared to
  work hard, you are guaranteed success.
• You will love it!

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What will I study?

• An improvisation unit, based on a theme and
  inspired by poems, songs, newspaper articles or
  images
• A text-based unit, where you will explore a play
  together and visit the theatre as critical
  audience members
• A performance unit, where you will work with
  others to present a play to an audience,
  including a visiting examiner.

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We go on regular theatre trips
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How will I be assessed?

• The coursework units are assessed by your
  teacher. Your marks will be based on workshop
  sessions and portfolio work, completed in
  controlled conditions.
• The performance unit is assessed by a visiting
  examiner. S/he will watch you act in a play or
  see your design for that play. You will work in a
  group, but each person will achieve an individual
  grade.
• There is no written exam for Drama. ?

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What is an average GCSE Drama lesson like?

• You might complete a series of practical tasks
  based on a key scene from a play (such as
  hot-seating key characters, improvising a day in
  their lives, creating thought tunnels or body
  sculptures)
• You might deliver your ideas for set, costume or
  lighting in role as a designer
• You might go to a matinee performance of an
  acclaimed West End show
• You might use the internet to research the life
  of a playwright, or the performance history of a
  play
• You might perform your devised piece or scripted
  work to a Year Seven audience
• You will be working with other people who like
  Drama!

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Sixth Form Options

• If you achieve a B grade or better in Drama or
  English, you will be welcome to study Drama and
  Theatre Studies at AS and A Level.
• Our former students have gone on to tremendous
  success as follows
• Alex Worsfold, Tom Chapman and Ruth Whymark went
  on to study Drama at Exeter University
• Andy Buckley studied at The Central School of
  Speech and Drama and is now teaching Drama in an
  inner-city school
• Tom Chapman, Alex Worsfold and Joe Cole have all
  been involved with the National Youth Theatre,
  taking part in performance projects in London and
  Singapore
• Joe Cole has regular theatre, film and TV roles
  and is currently appearing in Skins
• Anja Murison and Georgia Akbar are pursuing
  careers as Drama Therapists
• Mrs Zeqiri and Gyles Oakley studied Drama here
  and at Winchester

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What could I do with a qualification in Drama?

• You could become
• an actor, director, producer or stage manager
• a sound/lighting designer or technician
• a set or costume designer
• a theatre practitioner or playwright
• a film/theatre critic
• a drama therapist
• a screen writer, presenter or production
  assistant
• a radio presenter
• an arts administrator
• Or, best of all
• a Drama teacher! ?

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Successful PeopleThere are many people who have
achieved success in film, TV and theatre,
including

• Rae Smith, the designer of War Horse

• Noel Clarke actor, director and screen writer

• Performers like Dominic Cumerbatch, James Corden
  and Carey Mulligan (pictured)

• Mark Gatiss, who writes and performs in Doctor
  Who, Sherlock The League of Gentlemen