Students who chose to study GCSE Drama will build on their self-esteem and learn to become confident performers. They will learn how to become resilient and develop skills such as listening, negotiating and empathy for others by knowing how to communicate effectively. 

GCSE Drama students usually build on relationships with peers which often leads to long lasting friendships. The subject will expand their cultural awareness as we tour through a rich history of theatrical traditions and gain opportunities to go to see live theatre. 

Students also gain knowledge about specific job roles, types of theatre and stage production and design. Drama is a practical and fun subject and students will learn to become thoughtful and attentive performers by analysing and evaluating performance work in detail, both verbally and in written work. It will allow students to develop highly valuable skills which they will continue to use throughout their life, both in and out of work.  

Currently, students at Sherburn High School study AQA GCSE Drama. The subject content for this specification is divided into three components:

Component 1: Understanding drama (written)

Students will explore their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre and study one set play from a choice of 6. Our chosen set text for this unit is Blood Brothers. Students will watch a variety of live and recorded theatre performances and will analyse and evaluate the work of live theatre makers in an open book written exam of 1 hour and 45 minutes.  This is worth 40% of the total GCSE and is externally marked by AQA.

Component 2: Devising drama (practical and written)

Students will go through the process of creating and performing their own piece of devised drama. Students may contribute as performer or designer and they will analyse and evaluate their own work in a devising log.   This is worth 40% of the total GCSE and is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

Component 3: Texts in practice (practical)

Students will perform two scripted extracts from one play and may contribute as performer or designer. There is a free choice of play for students but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1.  This is worth 20% of the total GCSE and is marked by AQA.