Examination Board: Edexcel

Drama is a practical, artistic subject which employs a variety of dramatic techniques and methods to explore ideas and meanings. The practical work requires you to develop your understanding of Drama and the communication of ideas explored within different topics.

THE EXAMINATION
PAPER 1 _ Improvisation (40%)
This takes place over a four-week assessment period, usually around the beginning of January, building on improvised work completed during the Autumn term. At the end of the assessment period students are awarded a final mark that reflects the overall achievement.

PAPER 2 _ Evaluative Commentary (20%)
A Critical Account of a Live Production
Improvisation Arising from a Text
Drama presented to others

Each piece should be between 300 and 1000 words. Therefore the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. The units are designed to demonstrate students understanding of Drama and its effectiveness in putting across an idea or emotion to an audience.

PAPER 3 _ Final Performance (40%)
This paper is marked by a visiting examiner. Preparation usually begins around the beginning of the Spring Term and it takes place after Easter. In recent years we have had much success with students devising their own performances.