Drama – KS4

Course name: Drama

Examination Board and Syllabus

EDEXCEL – 2DR01

Course Outline

The basis of the course is improvisation which is explored through a variety of stimuli (text, story, image, sound, and artefact). Though primarily a practical course, two written portfolios are compiled over the two years. In this students are given the opportunity to analyse and evaluate their work and the work of others.  Students will also see a live performance and will write a theatre review.

Assessment

The examination is divided into three parts:

Unit 1 –           30%    Improvisation

This unit is an improvisation project based on a theme / issue and is assessed by the class teacher over the duration of the project (approx 4 weeks) – students are assessed on their practical work and on a supporting written portfolio of documentary evidence.

Unit 2 –           30%   Text

This unit is a project based on a published play text and is assessed by the class teacher over the duration of the project (approx 4 weeks) – students are assessed on their practical work and on a supporting written portfolio of documentary evidence.

Students will also see a live performance as part of unit 2 and will need to write a live theatre review.

Unit 1 will be completed in year 10

Unit 3  –          Performance

This unit involves working as a group to create and devise an original piece of theatre for an audience. It is assessed by an external examiner on the day of performance.

Students choosing the course will contribute and develop ideas within the group, explore issues and feelings, demonstrate and understand the skills required for performance

Students must be prepared to perform to a variety of audiences throughout the course.

Units 2 and 3 will be completed in Year 11

Homework

Homework takes the form of research tasks to help develop ideas for improvisation or participating in extra – curricular rehearsals in preparation for performances.

Equipment Required

No specialist equipment is needed.

Useful Publications/Websites

Up to date knowledge of current affairs and issues being explored by the media is useful. (BBC Website).

Supporting your child’s progress

Parents can support their child’s progress by encouraging them to go to the theatre independently of those trips which are organised by the department.

Parents can also support their child by ensuring that they attend the scheduled after school/ holiday rehearsals with their teacher.