“Theatre is a mirror. A sharp reflection of society” Yazmeena Reza

Welcome to the Bridgewater Drama Department where we are delighted to offer a vibrant and exciting A-level in Drama and Theatre Studies. The course gives students the opportunity to develop their practical skills and theoretical understanding. The A-level consists of three major components:

• A three hour written exam which requires in-depth study and practical understanding of two set texts, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams and Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth. Students also write a live theatre review during the exam.
• The development of an original piece of theatre which must be underpinned by the methodology of their chosen practitioner (we study a variety of theatre practitioners in Year 12) and supported by a written devising log.
• The realisation of two scripted extracts from two contrasting plays which must be performed for an external examiner.

Here, students’ learning experiences are enhanced by fantastic facilities including a state-of-the-art Drama Studio with fully functioning lighting desk and sound system. We have a superb network of local theatres with whom we have established long-standing connections and who we work with closely. We also subscribe to Digital Theatre +, an outstanding online platform which gives students access to the best quality theatre and a plethora of complementary resources.

Students who choose to study this A-level can expect a dynamic, challenging and varied experience where they are encouraged to strengthen their theoretical understanding through independent thinking and practical exploration and experimentation. Students considering this A-level should be prepared to take risks, should enjoy writing in detail about their ideas and should be open to new ideas and challenges.

Students of the subject take a variety of career paths including working in the performing arts, media, social and community, law, drama therapy and politics.