Key Stage 4

At KS4 students opt to take drama or performing arts as one of their GCSE options. At The Duston School we offer the BTEC First in Performing Arts and GCSE Drama. Below is a breakdown of each of these qualifications.

BTEC First Certificate in Performing Arts (Acting)

Edexcel’s BTEC Level 2 first certificate in Performing Arts is designed to provide a broad introduction to working in the sector. Three units are studied over the space of a year and the guided learning hours for each unit is 60. Within these hours students will produce coursework and be teacher assessed. At the end of the course students will be awarded either a pass, merit or distinction level. At The Duston School we offer the acting side to Performing Arts in the BTEC First.

Some of the units that are being studied in 2009/2010 are the following:

• Understanding Drama
• Performing Scripted Plays
• Acting

GCSE Drama

The GCSE in Drama runs for one academic year beginning when students start year 9. 40% of the work students produce will be practical and 60% will be coursework based, so commitment in both areas is essential.

Topics for this course include the following:

• Script work: ‘Blood Brothers’ Students will analyse and perform sections of the script working on skills such as performance and characterisation.
• Practitioners: Students will look into the work of the practitioner Artaud and his style and influence on theatre.
• Devising: Using a range of skills, students are expected to devise s performance from a given stimulus.
• Scripted Performance exam.

By following the course candidates will have gathered knowledge and understanding of genre, style and conventions, and of the cultural, historical, and social influences that inform the way drama is devised and structured.

Coursework requirements

As a department we run coursework sessions after school for students to voice any concerns or have support in areas they are struggling in. We encourage students to attend these sessions so we can help them fulfil their potential. Log books and written coursework will be an element in both the BTEC First and GCSE Drama so it is important that commitment is shown in keeping up to date with all the work that is set. It is also extremely important that coursework deadlines are met as overall grades will be affected if coursework is handed in late or not handed in at all.

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