A Level Drama and Theatre

During practical lessons you will take part in a range of workshops, discussion and research activities presenting, performing and communicating your ideas. 

Theory classes will engage with the set texts and live performances we have seen. This will involve analysis and discussion, answering past essay questions in preparation for the examinations. You will be expected to take responsibility for your practical group performance, as well as acting you can also be involved in staging, lighting and sound.

In addition to examples of your creative work, you will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices. This should ideally include English Language and maths as well as a creative subject, however we actively encourage interested learners to apply and attend an informal interview to allow us to find out more about you, your career aspirations, predicted grades and creative ability.

Assessment is comprised of two examinations and two practical performances at the end of two years of study.  

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) 60%: Practitioners in Practice (Practical performance). This will be assessed in the first year of study.

• Devise a piece of theatre utilising the work of two recognised practitioners in your performance.
• Complete a portfolio and written report to evidence the devising process and understanding of the two practitioners.

Exploring and Performing Texts (Practical performance). This will be assessed in the second year of study by a visiting examiner.

• Study one performance text in its entirety and collaboratively perform part of the text.
• Explain your artistic intentions as an actor.

Exam 1: Analysing performance (2 hour 15 minute written exam). This will be assessed at the end of the course.

• Section A: We will study two texts from the theme: Heroes and Villains focusing on Shakespeare’s Othello and Nick Dear’s Frankenstein. Practical exploration of the opening 10 minutes of each play and three additional scenes from across each text drawing on acting, design and directing.
• Section B: We will study three live performances; you will analyse and evaluate one performance.

Exam 2: Deconstructing Texts for Performance (1 hour 45 minute written exam). This will be assessed at the end of the course.

• You will study the creative possibilities of staging Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street from a director’s perspective.

If you wish to find out more you can contact Natalie Weatherer, Subject Leader, by emailing: natalie.weatherer@nscg.ac.uk

Studying Drama helps you develop presentation skills and understand the mechanics of group choreography and communication. Most importantly, it will give you the confidence you'd need to stand up in front of an audience and project a message, a skill which is invaluable in all career choices. When you have gained your A Level in Drama & Theatre you can use it to progress into Higher Education. Previous students have been accepted at top theatre schools including The Guildhall, University of Glasgow, Italia Conti and LIPA.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. 

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance