This course inspires students to become independent theatre makers with the skills they need to go on to higher education, whether that is to study a course in drama and theatre or another subject. This qualification emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding.

Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays practically, devise and work on performances. 

Course Content and assessment criteria 

Component 1: Drama and Theatre (40% of A Level) 

A three-hour written exam. 

Section A: one question (from a choice) on Set Text 1(25 marks) 

Section B: one two part question on a given extract from Set Text 2 (25 marks) 

Section C: one question on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (30 marks) 

  

Component 2: Creating original Drama (30% of A Level) 

Process and performance of devised drama. 

Working notebook (40 marks) 

Devised performance (20 marks) 

 

Component 3: Making Theatre (30% of A Level) 

A practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts (Extracts 1, 2 and 3), each taken from a different play. The performance of Extract 3 is assessed by an examiner and must show aspects of one chosen practitioner’s methodology. 

Performance of Extract 3 (40 marks) 

Reflective report (20 marks) 

 

Exam Board: AQA 

Entry Requirements: 5 in drama if taken, 5 in English literature or language with an interest and experience in theatre 

Suitable course if you are interested in: acting and directing theatre, preparing production, script analysis, research skills,   

Future paths: acting, directing, teaching, managing, law, presenting, event coordinating 

This subject goes well with: English literature, music, art and design, psychology