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
Reapplying to Cambridge
started by: j_a_z_z
forum: University of Cambridge
replies: 184
last post: 1 Minute Ago
AS/A Level Results Day March 8th Megathread
started by: 1platinum
forum: A-Levels, ASs, A2s, VCEs
replies: 307
last post: 1 Minute Ago
The Manchester United Thread VIII
started by: Da_hopeful_1
forum: Football
replies: 7718
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Has anyone here read the Bible cover to cover?
started by: ROYP
forum: Religion
replies: 62
last post: 1 Minute Ago
Travelling is good for your CV.
started by: leescarter
forum: Travel
replies: 5
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
KCL Geographers 2012
started by: rjmorey1
forum: King's College, London
replies: 10
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
York Applicants 2012!!
started by: thetobbit
forum: York Unis
replies: 1004
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Is it weird that i haven't worn underwear in about 7 years...
started by: The Entity
forum: Advice on Everyday Issues
replies: 46
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Eating Disorders and life with one - Discussions, Opinions, Advice.
started by: TotoMimo
forum: Mental Health
replies: 2878
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Samples at make-up counters...
started by: LeaX
forum: Makeup, Skincare and Beauty Products
replies: 4
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
TSR Christian Society Mk.II
started by: Facticity
forum: Religion
replies: 7447
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Extrmely painful periods- makes me cry :(
started by: Anonymous
forum: Health
replies: 58
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
The 'I have got on to a PGCE Course 2012-2013' Thread
started by: nick17112
forum: Education and Teaching
replies: 385
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Current Year 11 Thread Mark II
started by: blueray
forum: GCSEs
replies: 134
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
The Male 'Fashion' Thread II
started by: rockrunride
forum: Clothes and Accessories
replies: 7266
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Binomial probability
started by: ClarkyC...
forum: Maths
replies: 1
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Cambridge Postgraduate applicants 2012
started by: HippyVann
forum: Postgraduate
replies: 1987
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
boy blonde
started by: i_am_mines
forum: Fashion and Beauty
replies: 53
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Accommodation for Birmingham 2012 entry.
started by: alipally94
forum: University of Birmingham
replies: 9
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
How many number of songs do you have in your iPod?
started by: PaperBoy
forum: Music
replies: 89
last post: 2 Minutes Ago
Article Updates Toggle
Mathematics Offers 2012
edited by: ahmedgul, 13 Minutes Ago
Medicine Applicants Stalking Page 2012 Entry
edited by: Keeeley, 26 Minutes Ago
Neuroscience Offers 2012
edited by: Mattyphillips5320, 55 Minutes Ago
Edinburgh Stalking Page
edited by: gpostleth, 1 Hour Ago
English Offers 2012
edited by: andriaa16, 1 Hour Ago
UCL 2012 Applicants Stalking Page
edited by: mmn13ps3, 2 Hours Ago
Paramedic Science - Offers & Rejections 2012
edited by: jndk109, 2 Hours Ago
Architecture 2012 Applicants Stalking Page
edited by: nokwok, 2 Hours Ago
Law Offers 2012
edited by: thomaspullar1, 2 Hours Ago
A Brief Guide to Intercalated Degrees
edited by: Kinkerz, 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