KS4 GCSE

Drama

chair and spotlight

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Course ID
AQA 8261
Faculty
Expressive Arts
Department
Drama
Level
GCSE
Head of Faculty
K. Eustace
Head of Department
K. Messios
KS4 GCSE Drama

Course Overview

Studying Drama at GCSE offers students an exciting opportunity to develop their performance, creative and analytical skills while exploring a wide range of theatrical styles and techniques. The course encourages students to engage with live theatre, understand dramatic texts and develop their own ideas for performance, building confidence and independence in both practical and written work.

Following the AQA Drama GCSE (9–1) specification, students refine the skills introduced at Key Stage 3 while exploring new theatre techniques across three key components: Understanding Drama (exam), Creating Original Drama and Texts in Practice. Through these areas, students gain experience in performing, designing and interpreting drama, while also developing a deeper understanding of how performance communicates meaning to an audience.

The course places a strong emphasis on the written elements, requiring students to analyse and evaluate their own work as well as the work of others. This helps to develop critical thinking, reflection and the ability to communicate ideas effectively, which are essential for success in both the coursework and final examination.

Drama at GCSE not only nurtures creativity and expression but also builds transferable skills such as collaboration, confidence, communication and problem-solving. It provides a strong foundation for further study at A-Level or university, and supports future pathways in theatre, media, education, and a wide range of creative industries.

Course Description

Year 10

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Component 1: Study of set text – The Crucible.  Practice exam / essay questions. 
Autumn 2 Component 1: Study of set text – The Crucible.  Practice exam / essay questions. 
Spring 1 Component 1: Study of set text – The Crucible. 
Component 1: Response to live theatre. 
Component 2: Creating Original Drama (Devising). 
Practice exam / essay questions. 
Spring 2 Component 2: Creating Original Drama (Devising).  Assessed exam performance. 
Devising log. 
Summer 1 Component 1 – The Crucible and Response to Live Theatre.  Practice exam./essay questions. 
Summer 2 Revision / Exams.  GCSE mock exams. 

Year 11

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Component 2: Devising log and mock exam feedback.   
Autumn 2 Component 3: Texts in Practice. 
Component 1: mock exam revision. 
Practice exam / essay questions. 
Spring 1 Component 3: Texts in Practice. 
Component 1: Response to Live Theatre. 
Practice exam / essay questions. 
Spring 2 Revision/Preparation for GCSE exam.  Practice exam / essay questions. 
Summer 1 Revision.  Practice exam / essay questions. 
Summer 2 GCSE Examination.  GCSE Examination. 

Extended Learning

Year 10

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA GCSE Drama; National Theatre Resources; Digital Theatre; Whats on Stage.  The Crucible  Visit the theatre, read plays.  Take part in school productions, take leadership opportunities in the Drama Department. 

 

Year 11

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA GCSE Drama; National Theatre Resources; Digital Theatre; Whats on Stage.  The Crucible  Visit the theatre, read plays.  Take part in school productions, take leadership opportunities in the Drama Department. 

 

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