GCSE DRAMAA Passion for Drama

A typical student who takes GCSE Drama or Drama Tech will:• Have a passion for performing or• Have a solid interest in plays and drama in order to research and

provide appropriate technical support• Enjoy theatre visits• Thrive through being a co-operative member of a group

jalborough@phcs.org.ukHomework days 9z:Week one: Thursday Week Two: Wednesday

mrobertson@phcs.org.uk Homework days 9x:Week one: TuesdayWeek Two: MondayHomework days 9z Technical:Week one: Thursday Week Two: Wednesday

GCSE Drama – new specificationCoursework

Devised Performance Students perform in a devised performance that is marked by school staff. The film is then sent to the exam board for verification.

Worth 13% of the final markAccompanying portfolioThree sections of work that detail the student’s ideas, their journey and the planning in preparation for performance. It is sent to the exam board. No more than 2500 words.

Worth 27% of the final mark

Scripted Performance

You perform in two extracts from a play. This is examined by the exam board who visit the school at the end of Y11. You also have to set out your artistic intentions in writing.

It is worth 20% of your final mark

TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF MARK: 60%

Exam Section A questions on a set text that you will study during your courseSection B questions on a live production that you have seen during your course.TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF MARK: 40%

Student choices• Performer• Lighting Designer• Sound Designer• Costume and Make-up• Set Design• Puppet

Note:

With the new specifications Technical students are assessed on the quality of their research and planning and not just on the practical application of the lights or sound. The course will be taught practically so that every student has a solid practical understanding of the skills required.

Extra-curricular

All Drama Students must attend all school productions as well as all trips to the theatre.

Part of the new GCSE written exam is a response to a live production and is worth 20% of their final GCSE grade

Technical Students must attend stage crew at 3.15 – 4.15 on a Monday in the Drama Hall, where they get specific and useful intervention that will prepare them for their role as technicians in the school production, Peter Pan.

Targets & understanding data• The grade that your child is awarded is derived from a

combination of practical work and written work.

• This reflects the GCSE which is:40% written exam33% performance27% written coursework.

• Individual targets will be given and regularly reviewed, and are designed to help your child achieve their target GCSE grade.

If your child discovers that he/she has made the wrong choice it is better to let us know sooner rather than later, so that an option swap

can be made

Homework• Homework is designed to support students with their evaluation, their

skills development and their knowledge. • All practical work is supported by written work to reflect the nature of

the final GCSE grade.• The devised module includes a portfolio that details development and

skills during the process.

How can you support your child?• Try and keep tabs on the days that homework set and check It is on ‘Show My

Homework’ under Drama.• Drop in help in the Drama Studio on Mondays

AttendanceAll drama activities are in pairs or groups and as we move through Year 9 into Year 10 there are more group activities where it is essential that everyone is present so that groups can rehearse.

If your child has poor attendance, this will have a knock on effect on their group. This can result in lower marks and can create bad feeling with their classmates.

Co-operationWith so much group work it is essential that every child works hard at getting on with everyone in the class.

“I don’t like working with him” etc is not acceptable and difficult to manage in a tight knit class.

Performance groups rely on technical students and it is essential that technical students take on this responsibilities they are given in order to support the performers.