KS5 Subject: Drama

What topics will you study in KS5 Drama?

Year 12:

• Introduction to practitioners: Brecht, Frantic Assembly, Complicite and Stanislavski Practical workshops with theatre companies
• Live Theatre – Section A of component 3
• Practical exploration of 'Colder Than Here' by Laura Wade (acting) - Section B of component 3
• Practical exploration of 'Antigone' by Sophocles (acting) - Section C of component 3
• Group devised performance and portfolio - Component 1 (40% of grade)

Year 13:

• Practical exploration of 'Colder Than Here' by Laura Wade (design) - Section B of component 3
• Practical exploration of 'Antigone' by Sophocles (design) - Section C of component 3
• Scripted exam - Component 2 (20% of grade) Revision

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

• Antigone by Sophocles (Don Taylor's adaptation)
• Colder Than Here by Wade
• The Complete Brecht Toolkit by Unwin
• Brecht on Theatre by Brecht
• Complicite reading on website: https://www.complicite.org/learning-and-creative-engagement/resources/
• Additional reading will depend on component 1 extract choice, component 2 script choices, component 3, section a play choice

How will you be assessed during the course?

There will be three components:

• Component 1: 
  • Devising Interpreting, creating and developing a devised piece from one key extract from a performance text and applying the methods of one practitioner. The play text and practitioner can be decided by the school. 40% of qualification – 80 marks
  • Devised performance: 10% – 20 marks. A group performance of the devised piece.
  • Portfolio: 30% – 60 marks. Analysing and evaluating the creative process and devised performance.
• Component 2: Text in Performance A monologue or a duologue from one key extract from one performance text and a group performance of one key extract from a different performance text. 20% of qualification – 60 marks
• Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice. Written examination. 40% of qualification – 80 marks
  • Section a) Live Theatre Evaluation
  • Section b) Page to Stage: Realisation of one key extract from a performance text ‘Colder than Here’ by Laura Wade
  • Section c) Interpreting one performance text, in the light of one practitioner for a contemporary audience. ‘Antigone’ by Sophocles adapted by Don Taylor with Brecht.

How can you help your child excel in this subject?

In addition to monitoring the DPR judgements and ensuring your child completes their homework: Watching live theatre where possible (lots now easily accessible online); watching good films and TV!; helping them to learn their lines and encouraging students to attend drama clubs or youth theatre are good ways to help your child excel in this subject.