More about our GCE from 2008 in Drama and Theatre Studies
GCE Advanced Subsidiary level
Since the emphasis in most GCE Drama or GCSE Drama and Theatre Arts courses is on improvisation, devised work and/or performing, the Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Drama and Theatre Studies deliberately focuses on working with plays. In this way, the Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Drama and Theatres Studies aims to bridge the gap between GCSE and full Advanced GCE by providing an opportunity to study plays from the point of view of a director, designer, performer and informed audience member. The qualification is designed to enable students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the language of drama and theatre as well as to develop their performing and analytical skills.
GCE Advanced level
The full Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatres Studies aims to extend the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired in the Advance Subsidiary units by enabling students to apply what they have learned in their own creative work.
In devising theatre, students alternate between the roles of playwright, performer, designer and director, and apply their knowledge of different theatre forms and structures gained from Advanced Subsidiary to the creation of their own work.
In performing theatre, students are required to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding within the structure of a director’s interpretation of a play, and to operate at a highly intellectual level as well as at a highly skilled practical level. The aim of the full Advanced GCE is to enable students to operate more autonomously and with confidence within a drama and theatre context.
Drama and the role of the director
In the role of director, students are individual thinkers determining their own interpretation of a play. As informed members of the audience, they are making independent judgments in their analysis of the way other directors, designers and performers have applied their craft to the production of a play.
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