This practical and busy course provides an excellent opportunity to study drama and theatre as part of our dynamic and thriving department.
You will extend your skills in the understanding of theatre and how plays are constructed, as well as the performance of drama. Varndean Drama students find this course engaging and challenging because it involves them in something that is both creative and academically rigorous. You will explore many styles of performance and attend exciting and diverse professional theatre productions throughout your studies, many of which are in London. In addition to performance skills, you will develop skills in critical analysis, observation, interpretation and communication.
Year 1
- Acting induction
- Study plays (Set texts 1 & 2) - Design, direct, perform extracts
- Theatre visits
- Devising skills
- Practitioner workshops
- Adapt/create/perform original piece of theatre
- Creative log
Unit 1: Performance Workshop (20%)
Year 2
- Working with stimulus
- Practitioner workshops
- Rehearse and perform scripted group piece
- Devise, refine and perform original theatre piece
- Written report
- Study play (Set text 3) - Design, direct, perform extracts
Unit 2: Text in Action Project (40%)
Unit 3: Written exam - 3 x Set Texts (40%)
Studied: Classical Civilisation, Drama & Theatre Studies, Textiles, AS French + EPQ
Progression: Theatre Production: Arts and Stage Management, University of Winchester
Studied: Classical Civilisation, Drama & Theatre Studies, Textiles, AS French + EPQ
Progression: Theatre Production: Arts and Stage Management, University of Winchester
After Varndean, Ellie took a gap year and embarked upon a winter 5 month ski season as a Chalet Chef in the French Alps. This provided her with not only a break from education but also a chance to meet new people and gain independence. Following this, as well as working part-time, she undertook a 5 week interrailing trip around Europe. In 2015, she started a degree in Theatre Production, but soon realised university wasn't for her and, after much deliberation, left after completing just the first year. A challenging decision as she went against the tide of her peers.
A random application resulted in her landing a job as Cabin Crew for British Airways and following an intense 5 week training, she began flying around the world, serving people at 35,000ft. After a year, she then moved back to working as a Chalet Chef for the 2017/18 winter ski season.
Ellie is now currently working in London for an events company, where she started out as Events Coordinator and after just 4 months has been promoted to Marketing Coordinator. As part of this role, she gets to travel and she enjoys being part of an intimate team where her contributions are valued.
She is also training and fundraising for a cycle from London to Amsterdam in 2019 for a cause close to her heart.
Ellie says: "Although I didn't realise it at the time, all the varied jobs I've had have only added to my skills and experience, and contributed to me getting my current career. My employers saw it as a positive thing that I had achieved so much in a relative short space of time, had the courage to try new things and be an independent thinker. My future plans are now to own my own business, perhaps a ski company. I would recommend choosing the subjects you enjoy because you will thrive from doing so. When choosing what to continue to A Level, I didn't know whether to choose Textiles or French, as I knew French was the more academic option. But I'm so glad I chose Textiles because I enjoyed the chance to be creative and it showed when I gained a grade A. Never be afraid to try something new, even if you’re not sure it will suit you. You never know where it will lead."*
Course Essentials
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