Drama Options

Our courses provide an excellent stepping stone to all sorts of careers.  Past students have followed various paths such as acting for stage and film; technical work such as make-up artists and wardrobe assistants; and various other careers in the media. 

Most of our students however do not pursue a drama-related career and many have gone on to third level education to study law, accountancy, teaching, and other areas.  Students who study our courses have stated that drama has helped them to be more confident in themselves and in dealing with others. They also value the need to be committed and work as part of a team.

Self-discipline, communication and  people orientated skills learnt in our department courses are essential requirements for all careers.

Drama Department, St Louise's Comprehensive College

Courses offered:

• A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

• BTEC National Awart in Performing Arts (Acting)

• GCSE Drama

• First Diploma in Performing Arts (Performance)

A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

A' Level Drama is a very popular option at Post 16. Results in this subject are excellent and are well above the national average. They are a testimony to the hard work, dedication and loyalty of our drama teachers and students.

This course is specifically designed for students who have a genuine interest in Drama and who enjoy performing for an audience. It allows those pupils who have shown enthusiasm for acting, or an interest in the staging of productions to gain an A' Level.

Drama A' Level includes :

(a) Practical Work/Coursework(70%)

(b) Written Examination (30%)

BTEC National Award in Performing Arts (Acting)

We are the only school in N. Ireland to offer the BTEC National Award in Performing Arts (Acting). It is a vocational qualification and is a  practical, work-related course.  You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.  As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need to start a career. 

There is no written examination and assessment is on-going throughout the two year course.

The BTEC National Award is equivalent to one A’ level which means when you have finished the course you can choose whether to get a job straight away or go into higher education first.

How this course will help you in the future?

Drama in general will help in the development of personality, confidence, artistic and social awareness which are all important in any chosen career.

This qualification is accepted as entry onto all university courses.

G.C.S.E. DRAMA

GCSE Drama is a very popular option at KS4. Our A*-C pass rate last year was 94% compared to 64% in the non-grammar sector in N. Ireland.

This course is specifically designed for students who have a genuine interest in Drama and who enjoy performing for an audience. It allows those pupils who have shown enthusiasm for acting, or an interest in the staging of productions to gain  a GCSE.

Drama GCSE includes :

(a) Practical Work (60%)

(b) Written Work (40%)

GCSE Drama relies on the process of continuous assessment. This means that your teacher is constantly monitoring and evaluating your work. Therefore it is very important that you attend school at all times.

How this course will help you in the future?

Drama in general will help in the development of personality, confidence, artistic and social awareness which are all important in any chosen career.

This qualification can lead to continued study at Post 16 on the  A’ Level Drama & Theatre Studies or  BTEC National Award course. This in turn can be used to access a degree course of your choice at University.

Year 11 GCSE Drama pupils posing for the camera before a performance!

FIRST DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS (Performance)

This is a new course for students who want to specialise in Performing Arts or those who show a particular talent in Drama and Dance. 

A BTEC First Diploma is a practical, work-related course designed for students with a genuine and keen interest in the performing arts.  You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

It introduces you to the employment area of the Performing Arts and provides a good basis to go on to a more advanced work-related qualification.

A BTEC First Diploma is equivalent to FOUR GCSEs grades A*– C.

YEAR 10 ENRICHMENT CLASS

Students who have followed the Year 10 enrichment programme with Miss Devine are advised to select GCSE Drama in Box 3.

You will be entered for GCSE Drama in 2008 and an NQF Level 2 in Performance Skills (equivalent to A*-C) in Performance skills in 2009.

You  will therefore gain TWO qualifications in your 2 year course in Drama.

For Further information Contact:

Mrs F Nelson or Mrs I McVeigh on 028 9032 5631