GCSE Drama

Key Stage 4

The GCSE Drama specification is designed to give you a broad and balanced experience of Drama.

You will be given the opportunity to develop not only your performance skills but also your design skills in

areas such as: lighting design, sound design, set design, costume & hair and make-up design. You will

collaborate in devising your own piece of theatre and perform in a performance from a text and you will

explore a range of texts and view a variety of live theatre productions.

What will you learn?
OVERVIEW OF COMPONENTS:
- Component 1: Devising Theatre (40%) – Create and perform a devised piece, plus a portfolio and evaluation.
- Component 2: Performing from a Text (20%) – Perform two extracts from a published play.
- Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (40%) – Written exam on a set text and a live theatre review (An Inspector Calls and current production in a local theatre)
YEAR 1 (YEAR 9) – FOUNDATION & SKILLS BUILDING

Autumn Term
- Introduction to drama techniques: voice, movement, characterisation.
- Explore key practitioners: Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud.
- Short performances using different styles and genres.
- Begin devising skills: working with stimuli, improvisation.
Spring Term
- Introduction to Component 1 structure.
- Practice devising from stimuli (images, poems, news articles).
- Develop group collaboration and rehearsal discipline.
- Begin keeping a drama journal (early portfolio practice).
Summer Term
- Mock Component 1 project (mini-devised piece + short evaluation).
- Introduction to Component 3 set text (e.g. An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley).
- Theatre trip or digital theatre viewing for live theatre review practice.
YEAR 2 (YEAR 10) – COMPONENT 1 COMPLETION AND COMPONENT 2 PREPARATION

Autumn Term
- Begin official Component 1: Devising Theatre.
- Choose stimulus.
- Research and development.
- Rehearsals and portfolio writing.
Spring Term
- Final rehearsals and performance of devised piece.
- Complete written portfolio and evaluation (FINAL SUBMISSION OF COMPONENT 1 COURSEWORK)
- Begin Component 2 preparation: script work and character development.
Summer Term
- Continue Component 2 preparation.
- Study Component 3 set text in depth: themes, characters, staging, costume, props, set etc.
- Practice live theatre review writing.
- Mock written exam with feedback.
YEAR 3 (YEAR 11) – COMPONENT 2 COMPLETION AND COMPONENT 3 EXAM PREP

Autumn Term
- Rehearsals of Component 2 (externally assessed – visiting examiner date arranged through appropriate channels at this point. Visiting dates can be between February and April of the Spring term)
- Continue Component 3 study: exam-style questions, scene analysis, staging ideas etc.
- Watch and analyse a live theatre performance.
- Mock written exam with feedback.
Spring Term
- Final rehearsals and performance of Component 2 (externally assessed – VISITING EXAMINER ATTENDS ACADEMY TO ASSESS LIVE PERFORMANCES OF COMPONENT 2 WORK)
- Intensive Component 3 revision.
- Practice Section A (set text) and Section B (live theatre review) exam questions.
- Mock written exam with feedback.
Summer Term
- Final revision and exam technique.
- Sit Component 3 written exam (EARLY-MID MAY OF SUMMER EXAM SERIES)
Key Assessment Objectives 
OVERVIEW OF COMPONENTS:
- Component 1: Devising Theatre (40%) – Create and perform a devised piece, plus a portfolio and evaluation.
- Component 2: Performing from a Text (20%) – Perform two extracts from a published play.
- Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (40%) – Written exam on a set text and a live theatre review (An Inspector Calls and current production in a local theatre)
NOTES ON EXAM BOARD SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

COMPONENT 1: Internally assessed, usually submitted to the exam board March of final year of course.

COMPONENT 2: Externally assessed practical performance, usually taking place between early Feb and early April of second year of course.

COMPONENT 3: External assessed written exam, sat in May of final year of course.
Key Strategies used to implement the curriculum
Content of Course

Component 1: Devising Theatre

Learners 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, in response to a stimulus set by WJEC.

Learners must produce:

• a realisation of their piece of devised theatre

• a portfolio of supporting evidence

• an evaluation of the final performance or design.

Component 2: Performing From A Text

Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre.

Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre
Section A: Set Text for assessment from 2024 onwards

A series of questions on one set text from a choice of seven:

1. Macbeth – William Shakespeare

2. An Inspector Calls – J.B. Priestley

3. Find Me – Olwen Wymark

4. Noughts & Crosses – Malorie Blackman, adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz

5. Refugee Boy – Benjamin Zephaniah

6. I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die – Mark Wheeler

7. The IT – Vivienne Franzmann.

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.
How can Performing Arts support your future?
Linked Careers:

GCSE Drama can lead to further study or employment in acting, presenting, staging and set design. It can also lead into employment in education, therapy, communications, technology, public speaking, healthcare and many more sectors.
How does the study of Performing Arts support your study in other subjects? 
The Performing Arts is not just a subject but a cross-curricular tool as drama strategies and skills can enhance the study of many different subjects. Performing Arts isn’t just about performing, but it is about discovering and creating ingenious ways of problem-solving, exploring issues and presenting information which is as important in the Maths and Science classroom as it is in the Drama studio.

The Main impact of Performing Arts can be seen in the embedding and accelerating of the social, developmental and interpersonal 5Cs skills. For example, the creative thinking and collaborative skills required during rehearsals can be transferred to all other areas of study from Humanities to Physical Education.

There are many cross-curricular links to the English National Curriculum which states that students need to gain knowledge, skills and understanding associated with the artistic practice of drama. There are close links with many Humanities subjects as we explore a range of philosophical, ethical and sociological issues in a performative context.

Other Subjects

Student Testimonial

“I love the fact that this course is going to teach me skills I cannot learn ion other options. It will give me a head start when I look for a job”

Jamie Yr 10 student