Drama and Theatre A level

Qualification: GCE A Level in Drama and Theatre
Exam Board & Specification Code: Pearson Edexcel; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 5 in English Literature GCSE
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week + rehearsal time
Assessment method: A combination of written and practical exams
Course charges: There is an annual charge of £75 to assist with costs of attending performances and participating in workshops throughout the 2 years of this course. Bursaries and payment plans are available, please read Our Support Service for further information. Students starting September 2024 and after will pay £50 per year.
BHASVIC Department: Performing Arts
Head of Department:  Ryan Stagg

What will I study?

The A Level Drama and Theatre course requires students to take a practical approach in exploring the techniques and methodologies that underpin the craft of acting. Additionally, supported by academic and theoretical footings, students will fully immerse themselves into all aspects of performance and the contextual factors that inspire and influence theatre. Please watch the video below for more details about the Drama & Theatre Studies A Level Course. 

All students will need to audition, details will be given prior to the enrolment process.  

Comp 1 40% of Qualification)	Devised	50% Devised Group Performance 50% Written coursework portfolio (3,000 words)
Comp 2 (20% of Qualification)	Naturalism	100% Practically Assessed  Group Piece & Monologue/Duologue
Comp 3 (40% of Qualification)	Written Exam	100% Written Exam 3 Sections – Live Theatre, Equus by Peter Shaffer & Woyzeck by Georg Buchner.

Is this course right for me?

Drama & Theatre Studies is a course that requires you to work collaboratively, development your performance skills, and  understand the importance of contextual underpinning. The application of skills to developing performance pieces, and the practical exploration of theoretical topics means the course is 60% practical and 40% written. This subject can develop a multitude of transferrable skills and would suit students who either have a proclivity for moving into the industry or who just simply love the subject. There is also the possibility for students who know that they would like to move into the industry to study Drama A Level as well as Performing Arts BTEC. This subject would suit students who are interested in studying any humanities subjects such as English Literature and Language as well as History and Classics. Additionally it sits well alongside social sciences such as Psychology and Sociology.

Where next?

The study of Drama and Theatre at A level can help students with a variety of skills as well as develop their creative career aspirations.  Students who study this course will enhance their skills in creative thinking, teamwork, analysis, presentation skills, planning etc.  The course support students wishing to improve their communication skills in both verbal and written forms. Students can progress from this course in to a number of career areas either by further study or by direct entry to the job market. The skills you gain while studying a performing arts degree are valued by all types of employers, for example confidence, self-presentation, teamwork and collaboration, ability to experiment with different ideas and learning from feedback. Examples of related roles that students may pursue could include Actor, Stage Manager, Arts Administrator, Dramatherapist and Television Production Assistant. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include Creative Skill Set, All About Careers and The Apprenticeship Guide and Equity (career factsheets).

For more information or to ask any questions, please email performingarts@bhasvic.ac.uk

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