Drama and Theatre Studies AS and A Level

Syllabus: WJEC AS 36080 A 06390

`Our future depends on the state of our imaginations, and drama becomes more important as the world changes. Plays young people write, act in and watch are the blueprints of the world they will have to live in. 'David Davis: Edward Bond And The Dramatic Child.

The Drama and Theatre Studies course demands practical, creative and communication skills. You will study a variety of plays and playwrights through practical workshops and study, as well as take part in productions. You will also extend your ability to create drama and you will be required to write about your experiences and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic of theatre.

You will be exposed to many different genres of theatre and have the opportunity to watch many productions. You will embrace both traditional theatre and modern theatre techniques, using computers and digital projectors to create virtual sets.

What is covered in the course?

The full A level course comprises six units. Units one to three make up the AS level and the remaining units complete the A level course. The plays studied each year will vary depending on the size and gender mix of the class.

Unit l: Practical
For the major part of this first practical unit, candidates will either act in a group or contribute their chosen technical production skill to a performance from a set text. They will then either act in a group or contribute their chosen technical production skill to a second performance based on a text devised by the group.

Unit 2: Written Paper and Practical
This unit provides candidates with a written paper that assesses their ability to respond, as a director, to a short unseen scene. This style or format is often referred to as a'prompt' or 'production copy'. The text will be chosen from a post-1900 play.

Unit 3: Written paper and Practical
In this written paper unit, candidates will be assessed on their responses to two texts. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to analyse scenes from the texts with regard to character motivation and action, atmosphere and staging potential.

Unit 4: Practical
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate the working process involved in the preparation and presentation of the Practical Performance (DR5) through a Theme Project Report

Unit 5: Practical
Candidates will be assessed on either their acting or technical production skills. Performances will be in response to a set theme based on two texts and one devised piece.

Unit 6: Written Paper and Practical
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to analyse from the point of view of an actor or a designer responsible for technical production, one short scene from a set text. Candidates will answer one question on the same set text with regard to its dramatic structure and development, and content and thematic elements.

The most important requirement for the course is that you have great enthusiasm for acting, performance or technical theatre.