Drama and Theatre Studies A Level

Curriculum Intent

To engage students in live theatre and to build their confidence with performing. Students are able to build on life skills such as confidence, teamwork and problem solving. Students are able to exercise creativity in a safe space as well as discussing and addressing social, historical, cultural and political issues through performance.

Whys should I study Drama and Theatre Studies?

If you have enjoyed Drama at GCSE, or have a considerable amount of extracurricular experience of Drama, this is the subject for you. You will focus on your own acting skills, looking at a range of texts and styles of theatre. You will go on trips to theatres around the country to explore different types of theatre and undertake workshops to build on your own performing experiences. 

You will enjoy the process of working with others and rehearsing for exam pieces, as well as exploring the theoretical side of the subject, through exploration of a range of theatre practitioners. Drama complements a range of subjects, particularly English, History, Sociology, Psychology and Media Studies.

What skills will I gain?

As well as developing your own performing and analytical skills, in 2011 the Russell Group (group of prestigious academic universities) asked the HR departments of all the FTSE 250 companies what the two most important qualities were they looked for in an employee. The two most common answers were teamwork and communication. These are both skills that you will develop through Drama and Theatre. Drama offers a huge range of transferrable skills which are highly viewed by universities and employers alike.

What career paths is Drama and Theatre Studies suitable for?

Pupils who have studied A Level Drama and Theatre Studies at Cheslyn Hay have gone on to do a range of subjects at University – not just drama! Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that Drama and Theatre A Level is just for budding actors! Pupils with an A Level in Drama and Theatre have gone on to take degrees in Drama, English, Law, Midwifery, Nursing, Psychology, Art, Games Design, Teaching amongst others. However, others have gone on to pursue professional careers in the arts, training at a range of Drama Schools and Performing Arts Institutions. For pupils wishing to take this route, we offer targeted support for HE auditions and UCAS applications.

Entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above; including English and/or maths.
• National data suggests successful students will have achieved an average points score of 4.63 or more.