Drama & Theatre
Overview
Drama and Theatre is a subject for you if you possess a strong interest in performing or theatre design. It involves exploring and practically engaging with drama, developing an understanding of relationships, politics, culture, and societal issues. It also includes a focus on live theatre and how it reflects and influences our understanding of the past, present, and future.
Entry requirements
GCSE - 5 or above in Drama or a similar subject.
Learning & Assessment
Why study this subject?
Drama is an excellent opportunity for you to develop a wide range of skills that will prepare you for future education or employment. From developing your confidence through performance and improving your literacy skills through analysing plays, Drama provides you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will support you in a wide range of careers and higher education subjects.
What can you expect from this A level?
You can expect Drama to enhance creativity, build confidence, and improve communication skills. The subject fosters teamwork, self-expression, and empathy through a mix of academic study and practical performance. Drama offers a supportive space to explore emotions, develop acting techniques, preparing you for both stage and life.
What can you do with a qualification in this subject?
There are a wide range of options available to you by studying A level Drama. Pathways include Drama, English Literature, and Primary Education. Careers encompass Stage and Screen Writing, Acting, Arts Funding, Broadcasting, Choreography, Community Arts Liaison, Costume and Staging, Film/TV Sound Technician, Lighting Engineering, Marketing, Recording, Screenwriting, Stage Management, and Theatre Direction.
Assessment
The assessment is divided into three components.
Component 1 (40%) involves a written exam covering knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre, studying two set plays, and analysing the work of live theatre makers.
Component 2 (30%) focuses on assessing through a working notebook and a devised performance.
Component 3 (30%) involves a reflective report and the performance of extracts from three different plays.
Modules / Topics
Component 1
Devising.
Component 2
Text in Performance.
Component 3
Theatre Makers in Practice.
Trips / Visits / Enrichment
Trips, Visits & Enrichment
Drama & Theatre students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities that provide valuable exposure to live performance, theatre-making and progression pathways within the creative industries. Through theatre visits, university experiences and cultural trips, students gain inspiration, develop their analytical skills and deepen their understanding of performance in real-world contexts.
Theatre Visits & Cultural Experiences
Nov 26 - Year 12 Drama Live Theatre Visit - Free
As a compulsory part of the Drama & Theatre course, Year 12 students attend a live theatre performance to support their studies and develop their understanding of professional theatre. This year, students will have the opportunity to watch Billy Elliot, providing valuable insight into performance, staging, design and theatrical storytelling that can be applied to their coursework and assessments.
Date TBC - Year 13 Theatre Trip - £20
Year 13 students are offered an additional theatre visit, typically to Live Theatre in Newcastle, allowing them to experience contemporary performance and engage with professional theatre practitioners.
June 27 - West End & London Trip - £400
Students have the opportunity to take part in an exciting educational visit to London, which includes visits to Shakespeare's Globe, a West End theatre production, the British Museum and the National Gallery. This enriching experience helps students broaden their understanding of theatre, culture and the arts.
Higher Education & Progression Opportunities
Mar 27 - Sunderland University Performance - Price of Travel
Students are invited to attend Sunderland University's Third Year Drama Cohort Performance Gala, providing insight into degree-level study and showcasing the work of undergraduate performers. This experience helps students explore progression routes into higher education and careers within the performing arts.
Enrichment Opportunities
The Performance Lab
The Performance Lab provides students with the opportunity to develop and refine their chosen performance discipline, whether acting, instrumental performance, singing, dance, spoken word, or performing as part of an ensemble. Students work both independently and collaboratively to hone their skills, culminating in a polished performance that is shared with an audience at the end of the programme.
Public Speaking
This enrichment is designed to help students develop their oracy, communication and public speaking skills. Through practical, hands-on activities, students build confidence in presenting to a range of audiences, learning how to communicate ideas clearly and effectively beyond the content of a presentation slide or whiteboard. The programme focuses on developing persuasive speaking, presentation techniques and the confidence needed to succeed in academic, professional and everyday situations.
Film Production
Film Production Enrichment provides students with the opportunity to develop practical skills across a range of areas within the filmmaking process. From camera operation and lighting techniques to directing and production planning, students gain hands-on experience while exploring the creative and technical aspects of film production. The enrichment encourages creativity, collaboration and technical skill development, helping students bring their ideas to life through engaging visual storytelling.
What can I do with a qualification in this subject?
By pursuing Drama & Theatre, you'll gain essential skills in communication, creativity, and critical analysis, preparing you for numerous career paths in performing arts, media, education, and beyond.
