Drama: GCSE and A level

A dynamic drama programme within a leading independent school, where creativity and performance thrive.

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The Malvern College Drama Department is a thriving and creative force within the College community, providing cultural nourishment for our pupils that stimulates their artistic talents.

There are numerous opportunities, both on and off stage, for Malvernians to pursue their creative interests in drama within our independent school environment, and to follow their passion for the performing arts as part of both the curriculum and co-curriculum.

Recent major productions include ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole’, ‘Animal Farm’, ‘Sister Act’, ‘Earthquakes in London’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.

A modern building with large glass windows and metallic elements stands dramatically adjacent to an older, multi-story brick structure with a pointed roof and a clock tower. People are walking in front, and the area is surrounded by green lawns and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A view of the Rogers' Theatre's seating from the stage
In a touching school play scene drenched in drama, a young actor in a red basketball uniform sings into a microphone while holding hands with a young actress in a green plaid skirt and blue sweater. Other students in school uniforms are in the background, sitting and standing on multi-level bleachers.
A group of performers on a stage in a dramatic scene. They are dressed in costumes, with some wearing nuns' habits, others in purple robes, and a few in casual clothing. Confetti is falling from above, and they have their hands raised in excitement or celebration, amplifying the drama.
A performer with a microphone stands silhouetted against a vibrant sunset backdrop, bathed in golden light. They raise one hand in a rock-and-roll gesture, infusing the scene with intense drama and power.

Drama Curriculum: Course Specifications

GCSE Drama

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.

Assessment

Component 1: Devising Theatre

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated; 40% of qualification.

Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Component 2: Performing from a Text

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner – 20% of qualification. Pupils will be assessed on either acting or design. Pupils will study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre. Pupils will participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of the qualification.

  • Study of ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare.
  • Analysis and evaluation of a piece of live theatre.

Specification Details

Drama – WJEC Eduqas GCSE (C690QS)

N.B Attendance at live theatre trips organised by the Drama department are compulsory.

A level Drama

As an independent private school with a strong drama provision, we offer the WJEC GCE A level Drama and Theatre course, which emphasises a blend of practical theatre-making and theoretical understanding. It involves studying performance texts, exploring practitioners, and creating three types of performances: text-based, devised, and a reinterpretation of a text extract. Assessment is divided into practical and written components, including live performances, creative logs, and written examinations on set texts.

Course Content

Component 1: Theatre Workshop (20% of qualification)

  • Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated.
  • Students will be assessed on either acting or design.
  • Students participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text chosen from a list supplied by WJEC.

The piece must be developed using the techniques and working methods of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company.

Students must produce:

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

Component 2: Text in Action (40% of qualification)

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

Students will be assessed on either acting or design.

Students participate in the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus supplied by WJEC:

  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 contrasting style chosen by the learner

Students must realise their performance live for the visiting examiner. Students choosing design must also give a 5-to-10-minute presentation of their design to the examiner.  Students produce a process and evaluation report within one week of completion of the practical work.

Component 3: Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of qualification)

Sections A and B

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

Section A: Home, I’m Darling, Laura Wade

Section B: Brief Encounter, Noel Coward, adapted Emma Rice

Section C

Closed book: The extract of text required for answering the questions will be printed on the examination paper. A series of questions based on a specific extract from:

The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage Philip Pullman adapted by Bryony Lavery

Assessment Details

WJEC Eduqas A level Drama & Theatre Studies

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