Middle School Curriculum Booklet 25-27

Drama

Eduqas GCSE Drama C651QS

How is the course assessed? The final grade awarded is based on assessment of two pieces of NEA and a written examination: evaluate a piece of live theatre, commenting on the set, lighting, and costume design, and the impact of the production on an audience. What does the course cover? This is a practical course where pupils are given opportunities to participate in and interpret their own and others' drama, working as performers and/or designers as well as attending live theatre performances and developing skills as audience members. The course provides a balance of performance and written work. Pupils will create a piece of theatre using the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner in response to a stimulus, and these will be performed in the Studio Theatre for an invited audience, supported by a portfolio of supporting evidence and an evaluation of the final performance. A second practical element deals with the exploration of a play text, with each pupil performing two extracts before a live audience. On the theoretical side, pupils will study one text in depth. They also Pupils 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. Component 1: Devising Theatre Non-Examination Assessment – 40% of final mark Internally assessed, externally moderated Two extracts must be studied and performed before a live audience. Pupils are assessed on their acting skills and abilities. Component 3: Interpreting Theatre Written Examination 40% of final mark, 1 hour 30 minutes Component 2: Performing from a Text Non Examination Assessment – 20% of final mark Externally assessed by a visiting examiner Section A: Pupils answer questions on their set text. Pupils are assessed on their ability to explore the text as an actor, director and designer. Section B: Pupils answer questions on a ‘given’ aspect of their analysis and evaluation of a live performance, commenting on set, lighting or costume design; OR the evaluation of key acting performances and their impact on an audience.

Why study Drama? Drama gives pupils a deeper understanding of the processes of drama and theatrical production, offering a broad knowledge of plays and theories from a variety of playwrights and practitioners. This GCSE develops devising, performing, evaluation and communication skills. It enables pupils to realise ideas, teaches them how to use body and voice, and to manipulate space in a creative and imaginative way which, in turn, communicates to an audience. The skills acquired become a useful precursor to the Drama and Theatre Studies A-Level for those interested in working in the fields of drama education, television, film and film production, radio or theatre.

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