The Edexcel A-level course places an emphasis on drama and theatre studies as a practical, intellectual and artistic subject. This specification provides a strong balance between exploring plays, creating and performing theatre, analysing practitioners and critically evaluating of all these elements. 

The A-level Theatre Studies course has a six unit structure divided equally over two years (50% AS and 50% A2). 

Unit 1 Exploration of drama and theatre

Interpretation and understanding of two plays (E.g. Mother Courage by Brecht and A Doll’s House by Ibsen) culminating in an internally assessed coursework piece. Students will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which playwrights create theatre and are affected by social, cultural and historical influences. 

Unit 2 Text in performance

A practical examination of acting or design skills in a directed production of a play. In this externally assessed unit, students must demonstrate their effective use of performing or design skills and the manner in which they communicate their interpretation of a play to an audience. 

Unit 3 Text in context

Two externally assessed examination questions. One question based on the context of the play performed in unit 2 and one question on a play seen in performance. Students will be asked to analyse and evaluate how characters, narrative and ideas are conveyed through theatrical presentations by applying knowledge of social, cultural and historical background.