IB Drama

IB Theatre Arts is a five term course which is completed before the end of the Easter term of the Upper Sixth Form. Candidates are examined through a combination of ongoing internal assessment of performance and technical skills, and the external assessment of a research paper and an oral presentation outlining how s/he would go about directing a play. It should be noted that there is no terminal written examination and that the work presented for external assessment is prepared over a period of weeks before being submitted to the IBO in March, 2009. The assessment outline, which explains the detailed breakdown of marks and weighting, can be found below.

 

 

Not surprisingly, one of the fundamental elements of IB Theatre Arts is the international aspect of Drama and as such students will, in addition to learning and further developing knowledge of and skills in both performance and production elements of theatre, undertake a study of World Theatre – a practical exploration of theatre from different cultures. It is expected that all other strands of the course will lead outwards from this starting point.

 

There are no qualification requirements for IB Theatre Arts but students who have already done GCSE Drama will be at an advantage. However, much more important than that, is that prospective Theatre Arts students should have a genuine interest in theatre or, at least, be interested in learning more about it. The course is demanding and requires students to take part in at least one production external to the course (two at Higher Level) as well as be involved in internal class productions which will require a considerable commitment outwith lessons. In addition, students will be expected to attend the theatre regularly, both within Fettes and beyond.