Christian Head, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HA

017683 71693

Kirkby Stephen Grammar School

A Co-operative Academy

GCSE Drama

GCSE Drama is all about understanding what it is like to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people. You will be able to explore all aspects of Drama including design and technical options.

The Course

The course is in three parts:

  1. Understanding Drama (Written Exam) - Study a set play and analyse and evaluate the work of theatre makers - 40% of the GCSE.

  2. Devising Drama (Practical) - performance of devised Drama as performer, designer or technician and devising log - 40% of GCSE.

  3. Texts in Practice (Practical) - performance of 2 extracts from one play (as performer, designer or technician) 20% of the GCSE.

Will I enjoy this course?

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that is both practical and creative.  You may have done some acting before or helped out backstage on a production.  You may have always wanted to have a go at making a play, performing, making costumes, building a set or operating the lights but never had the chance.  You will enjoy this course if you enjoy working as part of a team as Drama involves a lot of group work.

How does it follow on from what I have learned before?

GCSE Drama follows on from drama work that you will have done at Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9).  You will develop your acting skills to a higher level or develop your design and technical skills. 

You will also look at plays in more detail and look at different ways of bringing a script alive on stage. You will need to keep notes on what you do. You must be prepared to come on trips to see live theatre.

There may be lunch time or after school rehearsals.

What about my results?

You can achieve grades 1-9 in GCSE Drama. The final grade is reported in August.

What other skills might I develop?

As well as acquiring the skills involved in creating and performing Drama, you will also be able to acquire skills in working with others, problem solving and communication. You will find that Drama will help you feel more self-confident and prepare you to deal with a range of different situations and people.

What could I do next with GCSE Drama?

There are many things you can go on to do with a GCSE in Drama. If you are unsure about what to next, the best thing to do is speak to to Mrs Whitehead. You could go on to take an  A-Level in Drama and Theatre Studies, or to study Drama at college.

You may wish to take a GCSE in Drama for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest or as part of a range of other subjects.  Or you might wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of Drama, or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course.  These might include careers in such fields as retail, travel and tourism, sales and marketing or any career that involves meeting people face to face.

The study of Drama can help you develop transferable skills which you can take into any career or job.