Performance Subjects - The Student Room
The Student Room

Performance Subjects

TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Subject Guides > Performance Subjects


Contents

Courses

Drama GCSE

Drama at GCSE often involves aspects of acting, music, dance and performing arts. There are practical and written components - students will usually take the terminal exam at the end of Year 11 after having completed intermediate assessments and minor coursework(s) thorughout the course. GCSE drama courses are usually weighted at 60% practical performance, and 40% written theory.

Drama is not an easy subject to take. In fact it can be very challenging, even if you have a good amount of confidence and an ability in acting. Drama involves team work, group motivation, personal challenge, imagination, good writing skills, evaluating techniques and extra effort. It is difficult to achieve the highest grades in this subject as little marks can be lost. The final section is the 'acting paper' and this is where you assessed on your ability to devise, create an interesting and enjoyable piece, and act. The rest of the GCSE tests skills such as how you respond to a stimulus and your ability to evaluate. You have to try in drama, it is not as easy as people may think - it involves hard work and determination.

Drama A Level

At A Level, Drama can have a much more theatrical emphasis, i.e. Drama A-Level looks at the value of theatre of stage presence during your studies; looking at more on the text being followed itself, as opposed to just the way in which it is acted out. For this reason, there is often one whole paper comprised of just written questions about the play or narrative in question. In addition, it is important to note that, unlike GCSE Drama, at A-Level the weighting shifts from 60% performance and 40% theory to 60% thoery and 40% practical. Although this provides a sound baackground for studying texts written for performance (which is certainly an advantage for further study of English), it can mean that those students choosing the course due to an enjoyment of practical performance will be slightly disappointed.

Performance Studies A Level

In Performance Studies, the three performing arts forms of drama, music and dance are studied in conjunction in order to develop an individual as a well-rounded performer.

Performing Arts A Level

Usually a combination of practical and theory work. You focus on drama, dance, and music (usually you get the option of focusing on your strongest area), and are graded on both your performance work and written work. It's much like GCSE level but more complex and the work is harder.

Theatre Studies A Level

Usually studied in conjunction with Drama - i.e. Drama and Theatre studies. See above.

Performing Arts BTEC

Fully practical based, but some written parts are involved, for example Script Writing and dance/drama journals. Dance,drama and singing can be studied (at least in the Musical Theatre course), with modules including Contemporary Dance,Singing Skills, Devised Theatre, Performing to an Audience, and Musical Theatre Performance.

University

The Course

Applying

Personal Statements

Study Help

Revision notes

Other Info

Studying drama at every levels offers numerous opportunities for trips to theatres as part of the course. Seeing and evaluating live performances is a vital part of the course.

Discussions

Also See

Discussions Toggle
"The role of a business is to provide a service, NOT to create profit"
started by: IB_19
forum: UK Politics
replies: 162
last post: 1 Minute Ago
SEO London Corporate Law 2011-2012 programme
started by: IcanbutTRY
forum: Legal
replies: 125
last post: 1 Minute Ago
UK Chemistry Olympiad
started by: Zhy
forum: Chemistry Exams
replies: 55
last post: 1 Minute Ago
losing my mind waiting for offer
started by: MutantGecko
forum: Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
replies: 0
last post: 1 Minute Ago
TSR Foreign Affairs Hub
started by: Lord Hysteria
forum: International
replies: 978
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Attendance and Lates on a UCAS
started by: Deank
forum: Applications and UCAS
replies: 4
last post: 1 Minute Ago
The 2012 Cambridge Offer Holders Chat Thread!
started by: Craghyrax
forum: University of Cambridge
replies: 591
last post: 1 Minute Ago
what goods/services do you pay for/buy everyday
started by: fell
forum: Money and Finance
replies: 6
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Manchester Biomedical Science Interview
started by: BenUny
forum: Life Sciences
replies: 3
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Putin Russia and the West. (BBC)
started by: Foghorn Leghorn
forum: International
replies: 13
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Central Saint Martins Mini Portfolio advice?
started by: lizziefree
forum: Creative Arts
replies: 7
last post: 1 Minute Ago
The Male 'Fashion' Thread II
started by: rockrunride
forum: Clothes and Accessories
replies: 7324
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Has anyone famous attended your school?
started by: Maker
forum: Secondary School, Sixth Form and FE College
replies: 830
last post: 1 Minute Ago
The African Society Part VII
started by: The Cornerstone
forum: International Lounge
replies: 7048
last post: 1 Minute Ago
HYMS Medicine Applicants 2012
started by: apple17
forum: Medical Schools
replies: 451
last post: 1 Minute Ago
The Uni Study Thread Mk II
started by: Aemiliana
forum: Student Life
replies: 506
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Internship vs going back to uni
started by: Aeonclock
forum: IT and Technology
replies: 4
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Current Notts Uni students chat thread Mk#2
started by: Christian_j
forum: University of Nottingham
replies: 1727
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Hull University Applicants 2012
started by: mygirllollypop
forum: University of Hull
replies: 220
last post: 1 Minute Ago
What is your dream job?
started by: Roberto-MOr
forum: Careers sectors and Employment
replies: 59
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Article Updates Toggle
Medicine Applicants Stalking Page 2012 Entry
edited by: Toppy, 32 Minutes Ago
Politics (And Related Courses) Offers 2012
edited by: lboedt, 34 Minutes Ago
Law Offers 2012
edited by: bongo drums, 52 Minutes Ago
Before You Go To University
edited by: gossamerthreads, 1 Hour Ago
Biomedical Sciences Offer 2012
edited by: YB101, 1 Hour Ago
LSE Applicants Stalking Page 2012 Entry
edited by: cablebuck, 1 Hour Ago
Architecture 2012 Applicants Stalking Page
edited by: npaul4, 2 Hours Ago
Pharmacy Offers 2012
edited by: redmike_f, 2 Hours Ago
History Offers 2012
edited by: Peanutaims, 3 Hours Ago
Geography Offers 2012
edited by: jelly.bean, 3 Hours Ago
Contact Us | Site Rules | Staying Safe on TSR | Advertising | Staff Blog | Essays & Coursework | Terms & Conditions | Top
Customise your TSR | Life Advice | Hobbies and Interests | Debate and Current Affairs | Study Help | University and University courses
Universities and HE Colleges | Careers, Employment and Gap Years | General Discussion

Customise your TSR