Key Stage 4
Drama GCSE
Course Code: Eduqas GCSE Drama: C690QS
Specification: Eduqas GCSE Drama (2016)
About:
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course. The specification promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama, as performers and/or designers. Additionally it provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members. Through following this specification, learners will be given opportunities to participate in and interpret their own and others' drama. Learners have the option to work practically as performers and/or designers in Components 1 and 2.
Learners will investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions, forms and techniques to produce and realise a piece of original theatre. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text. Learners will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama, including their ability to interpret texts for performance, in a written examination. However, in preparation for this assessment, learners are encouraged to study their chosen text practically as a performer, designer and director.
Careers and Industry Connections:
External performers and industry professionals run workshops and classes on a regualr basis, teaching their selected practitioner specialism and extended the core learning taught in class. Recent graduates have gone on to study at RADA, Chitchester University, Urdang, Mountview, Guildhall, Rose Burford, Stella Mann and many others. We frequently have alumni return to us to run specialist workshops and teach the next generation of ESA performers!
Assessment:
Component 1: Learners are required to devise a piece of original theatre in response to a stimulus, using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or the characteristics of a genre of drama. Learners choose to be assessed on either acting or design. Learners choosing design must pick one option from the list below:
lighting design
sound design
set design (including props)
costume design (including hair and make-up).
Component 2: Performing from a Text. Learners are required to participate in a performance from a text. Learners may choose to be assessed on either acting or design.
Component 3: This component requires learners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed through the study of a performance text and through responding to live theatre. Learners must consider how the text is constructed and how performances create meaning through:
the characteristics of the performance text, including: genre, structure, character, form and style, language/dialogue, stage directions
the social, historical and cultural context including the theatrical conventions of the period in which the performance text was created how meaning is interpreted and communicated through performance conventions
use of performance space and spatial relationships on stage, including the impact of different stages (proscenium arch, theatre in round, traverse and thrust) on at least one scene o relationships between performer and audience
the design of lighting, sound, set (including props) and costume and make-up
the actor's vocal and physical interpretation of character.
Learners are also required to analyse and evaluate one piece of live theatre viewed during the course. Learners will be expected to analyse and evaluate how meaning is communicated through the role of theatre makers in contemporary professional performance. Learners must consider the role of the: Actor, Interpretation of character, character interaction, vocal skills, movement skills, designer, creation of mood and atmosphere, use of performance space, lighting, sound, set and props, costume and make-up, director, interpretation and style, performance conventions, spatial relationships on stage, relationship between performer and audience, reaction and response, individual and audience.
Key Stage 5
Drama A-Level
Course Code: Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatre: 9DR0 QAN: 601/8302/0
Specification: Edexcel A level Drama and Theatre (2016)
About:
A Level Drama allows students to study practitioners and the theory that is embedded behind creating drama. Students will develop an understanding on different styles of theatre both through practical workshops and theory lessons.
The theory that is learnt throughout the course enables students to develop their skills in analysing theatre, direct theatre and make creative choices within set, sound and lighting.
Students will also have the opportunity to watch live theatre, making the most of our close proximity to the West End. This course will develop students practical skills both in creating original drama and working with scripts. It will also ensure that students are ready to move onto university or into the professional industry.
Careers and Industry Connections:
Professional development at ESA means that we have specialist staff. We are able to focus on high quality theatre that is of the best standard. We are able to offer interested students access to training beyond the remit of statatory education at this level and forwards skills more in line with drama school or industry practice. This includes auditioning for casting agents and audition workshops.
Assessment:
Component 1: Devising - This gives students the opportunity to create an original performance that is based on a studied practitioner and a given stimulus. This is completed in groups and is supported by a portfolio. The portfolio allows for reflection on the devising process and how each student has contributed to the performance as a whole.
Component 2: Text in Performance - This component allows students to rehearse and perform one key extract in a group from one chosen text. The other performance is either a monologue or duologue of a different text. This is assessed by a visiting examiner.
Component 3 - Theatre Makers in Practice
Written Exam - Section A is a Live theatre evaluation. Section B is the study of a complete performance text with questions focusing on how the text can be realised for performance. This is potentially as a performer, director, set, lighting or sound design. Section C is the study of a different performance text that focuses on a practitioner and how this can be realised for a contemporary audience.
Key Stage 5
RSL Acting
Course Code: RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Creative and Performing Arts: Acting
Specification: RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Creative and Performing Arts: Acting
About:
The RSL course has vocational relevance which ensures that students gain valuable industry relevant skills, rather than a wholly academic focus. Students cover Audition Technique, Acting Styles and core practitioners, Acting for the Camera, Vocal Techniques and Performing with Masks and Puppets. The variation in courses and skills covered allows students to develop and apply industry relevant skills over their two years of study. Additionally, students will attend live performances, taking advantage of the close proximity to London's West End, and attend workshops with industry professionals.
Careers and Industry Connections:
Professional development at ESA means that we have specialist staff. We are able to focus on high quality theatre that is of the best standard. We are able to offer interested students access to training beyond the remit of statatory education at this level and forwards skills more in line with drama school or industry practice. This includes auditioning for casting agents and audition workshops.
Assessment:
307 Acting for Camera: Learn to perform with a clear awareness of the camera, adjusting performance styles to suit recorded media. Additionally, practice in precise recreation of performances which are required for camera acting is developed, preparing students for all aspects of the industry.
310 Approaches to Acting: Learn the techniques and skills required to implement the four major acting styles of the 20th century, which are core to the theatre industry.
320 Vocal Techniques: Covering the major aspects of voice for live and recorded performance, including performing and recording radio dramas.
311 Audition Techniques: Prepare for auditions, selecting appropriate monologues and practice cold reading of scripts.
321 Working with Masks or Puppets: Learning the ancient art of masks and puppets and how these are used in modern theatre. Understand how masks and puppets are used as an extension of the actor.
