Years 7-9

This engaging and inspiring course helps students build confidence and develop transferable skills such as communication, creativity, and teamwork, supporting success across all subjects. Students explore a wide range of performance skills, experiment with different theatre styles, and deepen their understanding of theatrical practice. The course provides a strong foundation and prepares students for a smooth and confident transition into GCSE drama.

Topics include

  • Pantomime
  • The Wind in the Willows
  • Refugee Boy
  • Peter Pan
  • The Woman in Black
  • Billy Elliot
  • Blood Brothers
  • Theatre in education
  • Epic theatre
  • Physical theatre

Assessment

Each term, students are assessed in three key areas: devising, performing, and appreciation, ensuring they grow as skilled performers, knowledgeable theatre-makers and thoughtful audience members.

Years 10 and 11

Awarding body
AQA

Course overview

This highly practical and creative GCSE course enables students to explore a wide range of dramatic techniques while developing key skills such as devising, performance, analysis, and evaluation. Through a balance of group and individual work, students will develop their confidence, creativity, and understanding of the performing arts. The course nurtures imagination and communication while preparing students for further study or careers in drama and theatre.

What will students study?

Unit 1: Understanding drama
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre, study a set play and will be able to analyse and evaluate work of live theatre makers.

Unit 2: Devising drama
In this component, students will devise and perform a group piece, culminating in a written analysis and evaluation of their work.

Unit 3: Texts in practice
Students will learn and perform two extracts from the same play.

Units 2 and 3 are highly practical. There will be a range of group and individual work which maximises opportunities for students to develop skills and deepen understanding of various acting styles and practitioners.

Assessment

GCSE drama is graded from 1 to 9.

Unit 1: Assessed through a written exam
Unit 2: Internally assessed
Unit 3: Externally assessed by a visiting examiner

Recommended revision guides / course resources

GCSE Drama – BBC Bitesize
Live theatre visits
Rehearsal and performance workshops
Video recordings of professional performances