COURSE OVERVIEW

Subject Content

A great deal of hard work, intense concentration and thoughtful input is required from all who choose to take this subject. Drama GCSE students will find that there is now far more emphasis on the written part of the work to support their practical tasks, to demonstrate understanding of text and knowledge of theatrical terms and conventions.

Drama continues to be regarded as an essentially practical subject and an interactive one, where an ability to work and negotiate with others is essential. The heart of the course lies in the processes that are gone through on the way to a solution to a given problem or task, rather than the assessment of an end product. However, the way in which a student arrives at a piece of finished drama will determine the quality of the drama itself, and also the quality of the supporting written portfolio.

Most people are now familiar with the concept of improvisation in drama, and this technique, with its attendant requirements of adaptability, imagination and creativity, form a large part of the course. During the course, students will be expected to explore a variety of topics and texts by different playwrights by using language, reasoning, drama conventions already learned, skills and experience.. At GCSE level ‘form’ (how the drama is presented) takes on a much greater significance within the drama, and should enhance the effectiveness of the content.

Written work is in the form of a working notebook/diary and 3 portfolios of work that support their practical work, where students analyse the practical work they have undertaken in lessons and describe in detail the dramatic process they have been involved in for each of the 3 units of the examination:

• Unit 1 – Exploring Text + Portfolio 1 (700 words+)
• Unit 2 – Improvisation + Portfolio 2 (700 words +)
• Unit 3 – Realisation Test (10hours/ 600 words) + visit from External Examiner

Scheme of Assessment

A student’s progress is closely monitored throughout the course. Each student undertakes 3 units of work: in each Unit a student should explore the work through 4 approaches – Deviser, Designer, Director, Performer.

UNIT 1 – Pupils study 3 scripts of contrasting genre, cultural and historic context. The 3 scripts must include the work of two contrasting playwrights. Each student will complete a 700 word portfolio of work on the study and exploration of these texts and, as part of a group, be involved in a practical performance (Summative Assessment)

UNIT 2 – Candidates devise and create a piece of drama resulting from a stimulus, issue or theme. Each candidate must have about 3 minutes of individual performance in the completed piece. They should work in a different genre and style to that of their summative assessment in Unit 1. Each student completes a 700 word portfolio on the development and performance of the work and is involved in a practical performance.

UNIT 3 – Practical Examination/ Realisation Test. This is based on a question paper set by the Examination Board. A visiting examiner will assess the students’ final practical work at the end of the Realisation Test. Candidates will prepare a portfolio to accompany the Realisation Test, prepared during 10 supervised hours leading up to their examination day.

The O.C.R. syllabus prepares students not only for the 10-hour Realisation test, but also teaches them important skills for life beyond school e.g. how to listen, how to discuss and negotiate with others, how to present themselves confidently, how to empathise with others.