Drama in Sixth Form at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form near Cambridge, in Ely.

Drama in Sixth Form at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form near Cambridge, in Ely.

Kings Ely sixth form

Academic

A Level Drama & Theatre

King’s has an outstanding Drama and Theatre department with a long history of being a valuable and distinguished part of school life. 

Everybody's Talking about Jamie Image at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form School near Cambridge, in Ely.

"Drama is an exploration of human experience, inviting students to step into other lives, other worlds, and other perspectives. Students learn how performance can spark conversation, build empathy, and shift the way communities understand themselves. They are encouraged to listen closely, respond creatively, and communicate with confidence. Drama at King’s is not just about performance; it nurtures the ability to connect, to interpret, and to make sense of the world through storytelling."

Jane Parker, Head of Drama

A Level Drama and Theatre pupils have achieved 100% A*-B for the past 5 years and in 2015 pupils achieved 100% A*. 

Finley's Testimonial about A-Level Drama at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form School near Cambridge, in Ely.
Isa's Testimonial about A-Level Drama at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form School near Cambridge, in Ely.
Rufus's Testimonial about A-Level Drama at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form School near Cambridge, in Ely.
Tom's Testimonial about A-Level Drama at King's Ely, a Private Day and Boarding Sixth Form School near Cambridge, in Ely.

Drama and Theatre is a thoroughly challenging, enjoyable and rewarding A Level where candidates learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. They are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays practically, devise and work on performances.

Students choose to develop as a:

  • Performer
  • Designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)
  • Director
  • Combination of these.

The department drives to better itself each year with new facilities, first-class productions, accessible courses for all, high standards of teaching, and extra-curricular events and clubs. We aim to stimulate and challenge the minds of all students and develop new skills in all aspects of performance and theatre work. 

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Prerequisite

It is not necessary to have taken GCSE Drama, but a passion for theatre and some experience in performance/design would be an advantage.
Topic Overview
Component 1: Drama & Theatre
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre.
  • Study two set plays: Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.
  • Visit the theatre and learn how to analyse and evaluate the work of theatre makers.
Component 2: Creating Original Drama
  • Learn about the artistic intentions and working methodologies of a key theatre practitioner.
  • Use your knowledge of the theatre practitioner to create and perform a piece of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director).
Component 3: Making Theatre
  • Learn about the artistic intentions and working methodologies of key theatre practitioners.
  • Engage in practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts each taken from a different play.
  • Apply your knowledge of a chosen theatre practitioner to a final assessed performance of extract 3 (students may contribute as performer, designer or director).
Assessment 
Component 1: Drama & Theatre
  • Section A: Choose one question on a set play studied. (25 marks)
  • Section B: One three part question on a given extract on another set play studied. (30 marks)
  • Section C: One question (from a choice) of the work of theatre makers in a single live production seen. (25 marks)  

Written examination: 3 hours - 40% of marks

Component 2: Creating Original Drama (practical)
  • You will create your own devised piece of drama, which must be influenced by the work and methodologies on one prescribed practitioner.
  • You will create a working notebook during the process of creating the devised drama. (40 marks).
  • Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). (20 marks).

30% of marks 

Component 3: Making Theatre 
  • Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts (Extract 1, 2 and 3) each taken from a different play. The methodologies of a prescribed practitioner will be applied to Extract 3.
  • Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). (40 marks)
  • Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts. (20 marks)

30% of marks 

Drama A Level Exam Specification

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Meet the director of drama & theatre

Jane Parker

EMAIL JANE PARKER

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Two King's Ely Scholars Playing Hoop Trundle Outside Ely Cathedral, King's Ely is a Private Day and Boarding School, for Children aged 2-18 Years Old, near Cambridge, in Ely.

Two King's Ely Scholars Playing Hoop Trundle Outside Ely Cathedral, King's Ely is a Private Day and Boarding School, for Children aged 2-18 Years Old, near Cambridge, in Ely.

  • PURPOSE
  • PRACTICE
  • PLACE
  • PEOPLE

To prepare each individual to live positive, productive, successful and fulfilled lives, for the betterment of themselves and the world around them.

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To ensure every child feels that they are known, and receives an excellent academic education that inspires curiosity and intellectual adventure. 

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To give a sense of place and belonging to all our pupils, and to celebrate our unique environment and make the most of its ecological, historical, artistic, spiritual and economic resources.

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To create a genuinely diverse community, outward and forward-looking and with a shared purpose. To bring into this community the best teachers, pastoral and support staff and students, and to be a source of friends for life. 

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