AS/A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

Key Details

Available at:
Pwllheli, Dolgellau
Study Mode:
Full-time
Course Length:
1-2 years

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AS/A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

Full-time (Further Education)

Dolgellau

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Pwllheli

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Applying for more than one A Level? You can apply from this page and you will have the opportunity to add your additional A Level subjects at the end of the application process.

Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.

Course Description

Would you like to study drama and theatre at an advanced level? This course is suitable for a wide range of students, with a variety of goals. This includes those who enjoy performing, and are considering a career in the profession. It also includes those who want to develop their self-confidence, or progress from their GCSE Drama course.

Whatever your motivation, this course enables you to develop skills in acting, scriptwriting, devising, analysing text, directing, and designing. It also encourages broader skills such as working with others. In addition to working with other students who also enjoy performing, you will have the opportunity to analyse live theatre performances, in local venues and in cities like Birmingham and London.

The course can be taken as part of a full-time programme of study, in conjunction with other AS/A Level subjects, or possibly with vocational Level 3 qualifications.

There are numerous reasons why students show interest in studying “Drama and Theatre Arts”.

Many students follow the course because they enjoy performing and are considering a career in the profession, while others simply want to develop self-confidence or as a natural progression from their GCSE Drama course. Whatever reason, “Drama and Theatre Arts” gives you the opportunity to develop a range of skills that include acting, scriptwriting, devising, analysing text, directing and designing as well as interpersonal skills such as working with others; giving you the chance to work with other students who also enjoy performing.

Another important part of the course is analysing live performances therefore theatre visits are arranged. We support local venues as well as arrange trips further afield to Birmingham and London. Drama students are also encouraged to take part in extracurricular College shows

Unit information

DA1: Performance Workshop

For this unit, you will either act in a group or contribute to a chosen technical production to a performance from:

A set text
A devised piece

DA2: Text

You will answer three questions:

One pre -1900 from a prescribed list
One post -1900 from a prescribed list
Live theatre review

DA3: Performance on a Set Theme

You will be expected to work in response to a theme set by WJEC and prepare two performances. In each case candidates will either act or demonstrate a technical production skill with a group of performers. The performance will include: scenes/extracts from a published text and a piece devised by the group. An evaluation of performance work for both pieces will be required.

DA4: Text in Context

Two set texts from a prescribed list: one pre-1900 and one post-1900
Directorial analysis of an unseen text.

There will be four sections to the paper: ground plan, design/costume, lighting/sound and movement.

Entry Criteria

Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.

The A Level subject grids for each campus can be found in the guides on the A Level section of the website.

In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:

6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
GCSE English or Welsh 1st Language grade B

As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.

Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.

Delivery

A variety of learning methods are used, but the majority of sessions are workshops. Even the work on set texts will utilise practical, workshop sessions.
You will also benefit from visits by actors, dramatists and directors, who will be invited to the College to hold unique workshops.

Your programme will include a combination of:

Essential Skills qualifications and/or
GCSE resits and/or
The Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.

The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.

Essential Skills

This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills

GCSE resits

This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.

Maths & Welsh/English

If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.

Assessment

You will have informal assessments during term, with a variety of practical and project-based activities
The practical units will be assessed internally and moderated externally
The written units will be assessed in January of each year, with questions to test your understanding.

Progression

Whether you gain the full A Level or just the AS Level, the course adds to your qualifications and helps you to progress. You will gain UCAS points and be able to apply for a range of Higher Education courses at many institutions, including Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.

Your options will include undergraduate study at university, technical theatre training, and professional performance courses at drama, music or dance colleges. You could also apply for courses in other subject areas, including Welsh, English, Education, Psychology, or Film and Television Studies.

The course also prepares you for a range of careers in the performing arts, including professional singing, dancing and acting, performance company management, entertainments management, theatre management, choreography, and community arts.

You could also progress into other sectors such as education, the media, marketing, and journalism.