Drama and Theatre Studies: UK Year 12 Syllabus

This entry explores the typical curriculum for Year 12 Drama and Theatre Studies in the UK, covering various exam boards like AQA, OCR, Eduqas, and Edexcel. The curriculum generally consists of three components:

Component 1: Devising

This component focuses on developing students' creative and exploratory skills to devise original performances. Students work collaboratively, learning to listen, communicate, negotiate, and support each other throughout the process. They explore various stimuli, including play texts, and apply the methodologies of key practitioners like Stanislavski and Berkoff. This component often culminates in a devised performance and portfolio, contributing significantly to the final grade (e.g., 40% for some exam boards). Year 12 students typically complete their Component 1 Devising performance exam in the summer term.

Component 2: Text in Performance/Creating Original Drama

This component involves the practical application of theatrical skills. Students may perform monologues, duologues, or group performances based on existing texts or create original dramatic pieces. They explore different performance styles and the influence of various theatre practitioners. This component often involves both practical performance and written analysis of performance intentions, contributing a significant percentage to the final A-level grade (e.g., 30% for some exam boards). The coursework for Component 2 may be completed in Year 12, with the externally assessed performance taking place in Year 13.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice/Making Theatre

This component focuses on the study and analysis of theatre. Students explore a range of play texts, often within their cultural and historical contexts, and analyze live theatre performances. They may also study the work of specific theatre makers and practitioners. This component may involve a written exam, practical exploration and interpretation of extracts, or a combination of both, and contributes to the final A-level grade (e.g., 30% for some exam boards). In Year 12, students may begin exploring different performance styles and practitioners in preparation for the assessed work in Year 13.

This structure provides a balanced approach, allowing students to develop practical performance skills, analytical abilities, and a deeper understanding of drama and theatre. It's important to note that specific content and assessment methods may vary depending on the exam board chosen by the school.