Specification: Pearson-A-Level-Drama
The EDEXCEL A-Level Drama specification covers 4 topics with 0 learning objectives (Pearson-A-Level-Drama). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.
4
Topics
0
Objectives
47
Exam Tips
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Pitfalls
Edexcel A-Level Drama and Theatre is a rigorous, diverse qualification that blends practical performance, creative devising, and analytical written study. You'll explore how theatre is made, from generating original ideas to interpreting existing plays, while developing your own skills as a performer, designer, or director. The course is built around three core components: devising original theatre, performing scripted plays, and critically analysing live theatre and dramatic texts. Throughout, you'll investigate the work of influential theatre practitioners such as Brecht, Artaud, and Stanislavski, applying their theories in both practical and written tasks.
A key focus is the interplay between theory and practice. In Component 1, you devise an original piece of theatre using the methods of one practitioner, documenting your creative journey in a structured portfolio. Component 2 sees you perform extracts from a published play, demonstrating your ability to interpret a character or design element for an audience. The final written exam (Component 3) challenges you to evaluate a live theatre production and reimagine a set text from the perspective of a chosen practitioner. This structure encourages deep understanding of theatrical processes, from conception to final performance.
The specification emphasises the role of the director, designer, and performer equally, so whether you love acting, set design, lighting, or directing, there’s scope to specialise. You'll develop transferable skills in collaboration, research, critical thinking, and communication. Set texts range from classic to contemporary, offering diverse cultural and historical contexts, and the live theatre requirement keeps your study grounded in current professional practice. Edexcel’s approach prepares you not only for university drama courses but also for any career requiring creativity and teamwork.
The qualification is assessed through three components, carrying a total of 220 marks. Component 1: Devising (80 marks, 40% of A-Level) is internally assessed coursework, consisting of a devised performance and a written portfolio (2500–3000 words), externally moderated. Component 2: Text in Performance (60 marks, 20%) is externally examined by a visiting assessor, involving a group performance and a monologue or duologue, plus a short written concept (200–250 words). Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (80 marks, 40%) is a written exam lasting 2 hours 30 minutes, with two sections: a live theatre evaluation and a practical exploration of a set text in light of a chosen practitioner. All components must be passed to achieve the full A-Level.
Create and develop ideas to communicate meaning as part of the theatre making process, making connections between dramatic theory and practice
Apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed
Analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
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