Specification: OCR-A-Level-Drama
The OCR A-Level Drama specification covers 8 topics with 0 learning objectives (OCR-A-Level-Drama). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
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Topics
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Objectives
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Exam Tips
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Pitfalls
The OCR A-Level in Drama and Theatre offers students an exciting and challenging journey into the heart of performance, creativity, and critical thinking. This two-year linear course is designed to develop not only practical performance skills but also a deep theoretical understanding of drama as an art form. You will explore the work of influential theatre practitioners, engage with seminal play texts, and learn to craft compelling performances that demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of style, context, and meaning.
Central to the OCR specification is the integration of practical exploration with academic analysis. In Component 1, 'Practitioners in Practice', you will devise an original piece of theatre inspired by a chosen practitioner, documenting your creative process in a research report. Component 2, 'Exploring and Performing Texts', challenges you to bring a scripted text to life for an audience, accompanied by a concept pro that outlines your directorial or design interpretation. Finally, Component 3, 'Analysing Performance', hones your ability to evaluate live theatre and respond critically to two set texts in a written examination.
Throughout the course, you will engage with a range of theatrical styles – from naturalism to epic theatre, physical theatre to contemporary devising. The specification encourages a holistic approach, where practical work informs written analysis and vice versa. By the end of the A-Level, you will have crafted a portfolio of performance and written evidence that showcases your versatility as a theatre-maker, critic, and scholar, ready for further study or a career in the creative industries.
The OCR A-Level Drama and Theatre is assessed through three components, making up a total of 200 marks. Component 1 (Practitioners in Practice) is an internally assessed, externally moderated devised performance and research report, worth 40% of the qualification. Component 2 (Exploring and Performing Texts) is a visiting examination: you perform a scripted extract and present a concept pro, externally assessed and worth 20%. Component 3 (Analysing Performance) is a 2-hour 30-minute written examination, worth 40%, covering a live theatre evaluation and two set texts. This balanced blend ensures both your creative and analytical abilities are rigorously evaluated.
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 or select
Account of process or features
Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes
Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome
Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion
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