Students at SJB study Drama to provide them with the opportunity to be creative. Through collaborative group work, students are encouraged out of their comfort zone and through creating and performing they are empowered to assert themselves, empathise, build confidence and gain life-long social skills.
A Level Drama is a highly practical course that emphasises practical creativity alongside developing a deeper understanding of the theory of Drama. Students learn through experience, watching live theatre and creating theatre themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of different drama genres and practitioners as they explore plays practically, and devise their own performances. Our students are very dedicated and are often rehearsing outside lessons.
As well as studying plays and practitioners, students will study the elements of theatre production (including performance and design) in order to learn how plays are brought to the stage. We have several theatre trips/workshops throughout the year, introducing the students to a range of different plays and styles.
Drama helps you develop transferable skills that will help you in any future career path. As well as developing their performing and production experience to a higher level, our A Level Drama students sharpen their evaluation and problem solving skills. They develop their empathy and self-confidence. Our students build up their oracy, collaboration and presentation skills, as well as deepening their appreciation for the Arts.
Drama A Level can lead to a variety of different career paths - not just within the world of theatre! Drama can take you to a career in digital media, law, corporate and event management, PR, advertising, teaching and more! And of course, working as an actor, theatre technician or director.
It is essential to have wither a GCSE Drama grade 6, or a grade 6 in English Literature, with experience in performing.
Component 1: Written Exam 40% of A Level
Students are assessed on two set texts from a performance and design perspective. We study Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen and Metamorphosis by Steven Berkoff. Students also write a Live Theatre Review analysing and evaluating a live theatre production. We love taking our students to see a variety of different productions, finding opportunities to write about superb acting and visually stunning production elements. Theatre trips have included; Life of Pi, 1984 and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Component 2: Practical with Coursework 30% of A Level
Students create a devised piece in the style of a chosen Drama practitioner. In recent years our students have chosen Frantic Assembly, The Paper Birds, John Godber and Brecht. A written Working Notebook accompanies the practical work. Internally assessed and moderated by the exam board.
Component 3: Practical with Coursework 30% of A Level
Students explore three extracts from three different scripts through teacher-led practical workshops and student-led research. Extract 3 is performed and assessed by a visiting examiner. Students also submit a Reflective Report documenting their exploration.