A Level Drama

The best way to describe Drama A Level would be to say that it is the theory of drama in practice. It is a modular course, consisting of 6 components: Devised Drama, Approaches to Text, Theatre in Practice, Play in Production, Text into Performance and Theory into Practice. All six components involve the students in practical work of a varied nature, creating and writing their own piece, for example, the close study of texts in preparation for performance, and the application of theatrical techniques devised by theatre practitioners such as Antonin Artaud, Bertolt Brecht and Konstantin Stanislavksi.



Students will work in a variety of different situations that will allow them to explore the theoretical nature of the subject in a practical way: the close study of characterisation through performance; the devising of work to exploit a particular theatrical convention; and the designing of sets to meet the needs of a particular theatrical style, to name but a few. Students will also be expected to attend a considerable number of theatrical events both within school and beyond. With that in mind, we are very fortunate that Edinburgh is well served by a number of theatres which provide a wide range of drama, mixing well-known, tried and tested favourites with new, more eclectic writing. In addition to this, we also make regular trips to Glasgow and other venues in Central Scotland. Over the course of the two years, it is hoped that there would be as many as thirty opportunities to act in or see productions and these experiences will be invaluable in deepening candidates’ knowledge and understanding of what makes for effective theatre. The syllabus recognises the importance of this exposure to as wide a range of theatrical styles and conventions as possible, and consequently examines candidates on what they have seen during the course.



This course builds on many of the foundations laid down during the GCSE. There is a strong emphasis on practical work, providing students with opportunities to improve, present and acquire new skills both as performers, directors and/or technicians in areas such as set design and costume. This work will make a substantial contribution to coursework. The terminal examinations will be concerned with set texts the students have explored, the theories and ideas of theatre practitioners studied, and, as mentioned earlier, productions the students have seen.

Although the course is a demanding one, those who have not studied Drama to GCSE should not discount the possibility of taking up the subject. However, they should first of all seek the advice of the Head of Department. The most important attribute needed by any potential student of this course is a genuine interest in drama and the theatre.