Drama & Theatre Studies – AQA – AS 1241
Drama & Theatre Studies – AQA – A2 2241
Course Outline
This course encourages candidates to develop their interest in and enjoyment of Drama and
Theatre, both through experience as audience members and through development of dramatic and
theatrical skills. It also encourages candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the social and
cultural contexts of drama and theatre, through detailed study of dramatic texts, in their context
and of the work of prescribed theatre practitioners. The course will develop candidates’ ability to
respond critically and sensitively to a range of drama texts and to theatre in performance, through
studying and attending theatrical performances of drama written in different periods, in different
styles and with different aims.
Among the many benefits, this course is designed to encourage candidates to gain an entry
qualification for a variety of courses in higher education, in the area of Drama and Theatre Studies
or in other subjects. Pursue their interests and develop their skills in a range of practical drama
elements and work in groups of 2 to 8 actors with, optionally, designers and directors in addition to
the actors as well as choose their own areas of interest for research into an influential director,
designer, Theatre Company or other practitioner.
Course Details
AS - Drama & Theatre Studies
Unit 1:
Live Theatre Seen and Prescribed Play
A written paper of 1½ hours duration
(60% AS, 30% A2 Level)
A2 - Drama & Theatre Studies
Unit 3:
Further Study of Prescribed Plays including
pre-Twentieth Century
A written paper of a 2 hours duration
(30% of total A Level)
Unit 2:
Presentation of an Extract
A practical performance of a chosen text
(40% AS, 20% A2 Level)
Unit 4:
Presentation of Devised Drama
A practical performance
(20% of total A Level)
Assessment Criteria
See above.
Course requirement and progression
To follow this course within the Sixth Form you would be expected to meet the general
requirements for AS Level coursing. In addition, GCSE Drama at a Grade B is normally
required. Especially worthwhile combinations with AS Drama & Theatre Studies are English
Literature, Media Studies, Art & Design or other Social Sciences.