GCSE Drama is a very popular option for students at Commonweal. For the past few years there have been 3-4 classes in year 10 and the same in year 11. We follow the Edexcel syllabus (Drama 1699) which consists of 60% Coursework and 40% Exam.

Coursework: The coursework component is teacher assessed and is made up of two units. Unit 1 is concerned with the use of drama to explore ideas and issues in response to stimulus material selected from different times or cultures. Previous topics have included relationships during war and teenage pregnancy. Students explore these issues using a variety of drama conventions and techniques.

Unit 2 is concerned with the exploration of a complete and substantial play chosen by the centre. For the past few years students have studied George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', looking at the political parallel and links with Brechtian theatre as well as exploring sections of the play through practical workshops.

Both coursework units are assessed through practical workshops and a written portfolio. The portfolio allows students to record their thoughts, ideas and views through three areas; Response, Development and Evaluation.

Exam: This part of the course is externally assessed by a visiting examiner and involves the students demonstrating their skills as performers. There are a number of performance options available, but we use scripted performance. This involves students working in groups on an extract of a play to create a polished performance. Recent plays used include:

The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband
Road
Bouncers
Shakers
Metamorphosis
Between Mouthfuls
My Mother Said I Never Should