KS4

Aims


The Drama course should develop in candidates:
  • The capacity to understand the basic human experiences of role-taking and role-making. This will be achieved by means of group work.
  • An awareness of the elements that contribute towards the total effect of a dramatic presentation.
  • An appreciation of dramatic presentation.
  • An enjoyment and an informed appreciation of dramatic presentations in the theatre and in other media.

Assessment Objectives


Candidates will be required to demonstrate their ability to:
  • Work with others to present a scene from a play.
  • Evaluate their own practical work and that of others.
  • Offer a personal response to dramatic presentations.
  • Understanding the dramatic qualities of the plays chosen to study.

Content

The content of the drama syllabus consists of a range of practical work and the study of selected play texts. In addition visits to the theatre and the viewing of appropriate film and television plays are necessary for an understanding and appreciation of the performance.

Assessment

UNIT ONE (DR1): Devised Practical Performance (60%)

Controlled Assessment 120 marks

TASK ONE – 40% Devised

Candidates will devise a practical performance based on a theme, linked with a practitioner or genre.
  • Candidates may choose either acting or a theatre design skill;
  • If candidates select theatre design in this task, they must select acting in the performance from a text (DR2);
  • Teachers record the work on DVD/Video;
  • Internally assessed and externally moderated with task two.

TASK TWO – 20% Devised Performance Report

Candidates will complete a written report on the practical work they completed in Task One, under formal supervision.
  • The report should include details of live performances candidates have seen, that have influenced their practical work; details on decision making; the inclusion of technical elements and the content of the piece and an evaluation of their own work and that of the group;
  • Internally assessed and externally moderated with task one.

UNIT TWO (DR2): Performance from a Text (20%)

External Assessment: 50 marks
Candidates will be assessed on either their acting or a theatre design skill, in a scene from a published play.
  • Candidates to work in groups of between 2 to 5 members;
  • No more than two additional design candidates per group, each working on a different skill;

UNIT THREE (DR3): Written Examination (20%)

1½ hours

50 marks

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to analyse one set text as an actor, designer and director and to evaluate practical work completed in DR2.