GCSE Drama

Students are taught techniques and strategies by which they are able respond to and interpret texts and create effective and intelligent theatre. They are assessed on their responses to materials presented to them, the subsequent development of ideas stimulated by these materials and finally on evaluation of the effectiveness of their ideas and how they materialise in performance.

Course Structure

At GCSE students follow the Edexcel syllabus and the course is divided into two papers:

In Paper One of the course, students learn key performance skills as well as techniques and strategies by which they can explore or respond to texts or other stimuli. They will also study a specific play to see how a playwright expresses their ideas about a theme or topic and see how theatre practitioners interpret plays and bring them to life on the stage.

Paper Two of the course is a practical exam which usually takes place at the end of the Spring Term of Year 11. Students must perform a play to an audience. They will have the choice of performing a play from an existing script or one they devise themselves. Some students may prefer to explore a supporting role - the Drama department at Elliott School will also facilitate students with a proven interest in stage design or costume design.

Assessment

The examination is in two parts consisting of:

Paper One  (60%)

Unit 1  Improvisation  and written portfolio  

Unit 2  Exploration of text and written portfolio

Paper Two (40%) 

Devised or scripted  performance  

Outside Timetabled Lessons

Visiting many and varied productions is vital to expanding the scope of students’ knowledge and creative enterprise. GCSE Drama students at Elliott School are encouraged to become members of the Lyric Young Company, through which they can obtain the chance to gain practical experience performing in LYC productions, as well as attending workshops with theatre professionals and take advantage of the flat £5 rate for all productions at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith.

In Year 11, Gifted and Talented students are also invited to join the extra-curricular Shakespeare programme at Elliott School and benefit from our links with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), the most famous and illustrious drama school in the world. The Elliott School Shakespeare Programme prepares students for an accredited qualification in performing Shakespeare assessed at and awarded by RADA.