Does anyone know what GCSE drama is going to be like?

32 replies

FiveHoursSleep · 13/01/2016 20:45

DD is Y9 now and is choosing her options.
At their school they get to choose a humanity ( RS, or maybe Geography?), a MFL ( she still hasn't decided between Spanish/ French) and then they get two free choices on top of the usual.
She has decided on music as is Grade 6 piano and bass, so it's up her alley, but was wondering about Drama for the second.
Does anyone have any idea what the new drama GCSE is going to be like?

OP posts:

TeenAndTween · 13/01/2016 22:14

Define 'easier'

According to threads on here, Art is a time eater.

lljkk · 13/01/2016 22:05

DD says she wants to do art (loves art) but also loves Drama & I think drama is easier. Is Drama much easier than art GCSE?

TeenAndTween · 13/01/2016 22:01

Also. Drama requires interaction and cooperation with other students. Harder if your DC isn't a good mixer, or if others muck about.

RitaCrudgington · 13/01/2016 21:25

I had a thread of my own about Drama GCSE (and Ancient Greek) a while ago here.
There was some good stuff on it, I'm lurking in case anyone has good leaks about the new syllabuses (syllabi?)

Original poster

FiveHoursSleep · 13/01/2016 21:24

Last year's options booklet said this

'DRAMA
Examination Board
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
Course Content
This exciting course offers opportunities for pupils to expand their performance skills and increase
their knowledge of the rich cultural tradition that is theatre. The subject requires intelligence and
creativity, and the course will stretch the student’s analytical skills, challenging each to find original
and interesting ways to communicate her ideas.
The syllabus ensures they cover a broad range of skills and provides opportunities for them to work
on specific aspects of the dramatic process that interest them: they can pursue elements as diverse
as puppets, sound, lighting or stage management. On a personal level, they will hopefully enjoy the
challenge that acting presents and gain confidence in performing in front of others. On a wider social
level, they will gain a critical understanding of various cultural forms and mature in their capacity to
interact with others. We trust the course will enhance their love of drama and supply them with a
lifelong appreciation of the theatre.
Marking and Assessment
The final GCSE grade is based on 60% controlled assessment and a 40% written examination paper.
The controlled assessment consists of two options, both of which carry a practical and written
component. One option focuses on a performance skill and the other offers a choice from a wide
variety of theatre skills. The written work for both options requires them to evaluate the process they
go through in order to ensure that they are learning effectively and have understood the way
dramatic devices work.
For the examination they study one text in depth, analyse a production that we will see together, and
evaluate the theatrical process they go through in order to allow them to reflect on all the aspects
that are woven together to create a performance. The examination is 1½ hours long and they are
required to respond to two questions.
Pupils will be required to attend after school and lunch time rehearsals.
If this course is oversubscribed, pupils will be expected to undergo an audition'

But i'm not sure whether my DD's year will have an internal assessment?

OP posts:

stayathomegardener · 13/01/2016 21:12

DD did AQA and had a final written exam worth 60%.
But yep everything else Teen and tween said.

TeenAndTween · 13/01/2016 21:09

What board? It wasn't what DD expected.

There were assessed workshops which then also had to be written about, as well as a final performance. But a lot of self direction and exploration. Not so much teaching 'how to act like an old lady' or whatever.

On the plus side, no final written exam for her (she did AQA).

No idea about new specs. She really needs to talk with teacher and current y10/y11s I think.

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