Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
This exciting and inspiring Drama and Theatre A Level, will prepare you for further study at degree level, a career, or an apprenticeship in the industry. You will have the opportunity to perform with your peers in a variety of genres and show your participation in the creation, development and performance of three pieces of theatre for your final assessment.
Throughout the programme, you will study a variety of theatre practitioners and performance techniques, develop a range of theatre making skills and develop an understanding and appreciation of how social, cultural and historical context of performance texts have influenced the development of drama and theatre.
You will perform both devised and scripted works, as well as study separate play-texts as part of your final written examination. You also have access to The McMillan Theatre, which is our state-of-the-art 350-seat theatre and performing arts centre.
This subject promotes and encourages a variety of skills that can be used across any discipline, including presentation skills, communicating effectively with confidence, working with others and creative thinking/problem solving. It contributes to prospects in any creative role due to its inclusion of how to appreciate artistic interpretation.
Trips to live theatre events are integral to this subject as it is essential for you to analyse live theatre as part of your exam.
Topics may include:
- Theatre Workshop: the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text
- Text in Action: the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus
- Text in Performance: an analytical study of three play texts studied during the two years.
A compulsory trip fee is collected when you enrol and there are additional costs if you take part in residential trips. These can be purchased/paid for via the College online store.
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed through performance and written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.
Your final A Level exam will be made up of two/three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of your second year.
The practical pieces will be supported by coursework to record and evaluate both process and performance.
Progression Options
Many students go on to study acting and theatre at university or drama school. Previously students have gone on to study at East 15, Drama Centre, LIPA, Italia Conti and many of the UK’s top universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
