Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School

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Drama

GCSE

The GCSE Drama course mixes practical and written components to complement pupils’ knowledge of English literature, whilst developing new skills as a theatrical practitioner.

GCSE Drama not only allows pupils to gain a deeper understanding of English literature through performance, but also provides vital skills which will be of benefit across the curriculum and throughout life. The course offers pupils the opportunity to develop empathy, communication and interpersonal skills through performance, improvisation and group work.

The course’s components bring together:

  •  the study of the dramatic form’s development through history
  • the creation of original pieces, devised and performed by groups of pupils
  • in-depth study of set texts and key practitioners
  • analysis of specific live productions which lead to a final written exam

 

Component 1: Devising Theatre

Internally assessed, externally moderated

40% of qualification

Pupils will participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre as inspiration. In addition, pupils will document the development of their piece through a supporting portfolio of evidence and write a reflective evaluation of their ultimate performance.

 

Component 2: Performing from a Text

Externally assessed by a visiting examiner

20% of qualification

Pupils study two extracts from a performance text, which is studied in depth as part of the wider course, and perform sections from both extracts in front of an external examiner.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

40% of qualification

 

This written exam breaks down into two distinct sections:

Section A: Set Text

A series of short questions on one set text from a choice of five.

Section B: Live Theatre Review

One question, from a choice of two, requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course.

A-Level

Drama and Theatre at CVMS is a practical, engaging and creative course, providing pupils with a range of vital transferable skills.

Drama and Theatre is a well-respected A Level, complementing many other subjects. It is also an attractive choice for university admissions tutors: analysis of law admissions at Russell Group Universities reveals drama to be a preferred A Level option. In addition to this, the practical elements of the subject will appeal to many pupils, providing a foil for more ‘desk-bound’ subjects.

Drama and Theatre A level supports any degree that requires essay writing, analysis, and communication skills and is highly valued in many professions, especially theatre and film, law, marketing, advertising, education and public relations. Pupils will write evaluatively about texts and have the opportunity to act in three different performances.

 

There is one written examined component and two practical non examined assessments.

 

Component 1: Theatre Workshop

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 20% of qualification

Pupils participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text. The piece must be developed using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company.

Pupils must produce:

  • a realisation of the performance or design
  • a creative log.

 

Component 2: Text in Action

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner 40% of qualification

Pupils participate in the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus:

1. a devised piece using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company (a different practitioner or company to that chosen for Component 1)

2. an extract from a text in a different style chosen by the learner. Learners must realise their performance live for the visiting examiner. Learners produce a process and evaluation report within one week of completion of the practical work.

 

Component 3: Text in Performance

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 40% of qualification

Sections A and B

Open book: Clean copies (no annotation) of the two complete texts chosen must be taken into the examination.

Two questions based on two different texts, one written pre-1956 and one written post-1956.

 

Section C

Closed book: The extract of text required for answering the questions will be printed on the examination paper.

Trips

GCSE and A-Level pupils regularly attend performances at some of the best theatres in London. Recent trips have included: Bush Theatre, National Theatre, Bridge Theatre and theatres in the West End. In addition, pupils regularly attend workshops run by industry professionals. Lower School pupils have the opportunity to audition for the annual lower school play, while upper school pupils are invited to contribute to the annual school musical, either on or backstage. 

Staff

Head of Department: Katharine Drury

Teacher of Drama: Maisie Nutt

School Musical Production 2024: Guys and Dolls.