A Level Drama & Theatre Studies
Course Code: Q100140
Key Information
Course type:
A Levels
Campus:
Sixth Form Campus
Next Start Date:
07 Sept 2026
Duration:
2 years
Attendance:
Full-time
Fees:
Free
If you want to develop your practical and theoretical understanding of drama, this course offers a range of learning opportunities, as well as helping you develop higher level communication skills.
Units include:
- an exploration of the practical and theoretical ideas of Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud and Brook
- live theatrical performances to support your understanding of performance styles
- the study of two set texts focusing on how an actor, director or designer would bring each play to life on stage
- practical acting skills assessments via two performance components – one focusing on performing extracts from three different plays, and the other being a group devised piece.
A core part of this course involves attending the theatre – this is in preparation for the ‘live theatre performance’ element of the written paper and in order to widen your understanding and experience of performance. It also allows you to develop self-confidence, presentation skills, personal discipline, time management and group work skills which are highly regarded by both employers and in higher education.
This course also links well with many of the College’s EDGE (Enrichment) programme, including Dance Live!, teaching placements and work experience.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including drama (if taken at GCSE level), or a merit in Level 2 Performing Arts. Significant extra-curricular performance experience would also be accepted.
You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4.00pm finish. You will also have at least one morning and one afternoon per week free for private study.
40% written paper, 30% internally assessed Creating Original Drama and 30% Making Theatre.
Achieving a high grade on this course could be the first step towards a career as an actor, or alternatively you could gain admission to a drama school or a university to study a degree in a performance subject. Past students have taken up careers in the media, marketing, HR, teaching and customer service at management entry level.
A Level Drama & Theatre Studies available start dates:
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Event 16-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
Event 15-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
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Exciting new King's Theatre collaboration announced
We've teamed up with Portsmouth’s stunning Kings Theatre to give performing arts students a real-life insight into the industry. The exciting collaboration will see students having part of their course delivered at the fabulous Grade II* listed theatre, which is home to world-class stage productions.
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A new College advert will soon be gracing the airwaves of Portsmouth radio station Express FM – thanks to four of our talented students.
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