Drama GCSE

gjs6385

The thing is art or drama is something that they will take to choose as they enjoy it, so surely the longer they spend on it they will be enjoying it and will be more committed to it....

It's not like doing hours and hours of maths etc.

POPPYOSCAR

Humphrey10 wrote: »

It wasn't when I took it ten years ago (we had to take art, music or drama - the school made us take at least one subject from each area for some unknown reason). It was completely pointless, I rarely did any homework for it as I refused to waste time on such a useless subject, and I have zero artistic skill, and I got a C. I have no idea how people managed to get lower marks than that.
Given that I got a C despite my lack of effort and talent, I don't think it would take much effort to get a high mark.

Things have changed a great deal in 10 years!! A friend of my DS gave up art although he loved to draw and sculpt etc. he found the coursework
so intensive( pages and pages of learning and writing) that he dropped it.My DD is quite talented artistically and very good at drawing etc and I always thought she would take art at GCSE but she didn't because of this.In my experience art is no 'soft' subject to take.

patchwork_cat

poppy is right about art.

sp1987

Drama is going to be a treat if you enjoy it, everyone I knew who was into that sort of thing loved it and didn't see it as work, same with the A level. To me it would have been hell on earth doing drama, totally not my thing (I'm no actress, singer or dancer, to put it mildly lol). Again, a few years ago mind you (2004).

At the end of the day, it is very easy to work for something you enjoy. I know people who would have found my degree the most boring thing on earth (Law) but it is no trouble if you enjoy what you are doing.

annibee

Hello I did a drama GCSE about 8 years ago (oh my am I really that old?!) I did a BTEC diploma at the same time - Its very easy if your passionate about it I would say. There is a fair bit of coursework in it as with any GCSE and a lot o the people in our class dropped out as they werent expecting it to be so written. However I would say I have learnt incredibly valuable life skills and confidence from that GCSE and therefore would encourage anyone to take it on if they think they will enjoy it.

Caroline73_2

My son is choosing GCSE's at the moment, he wants to do both Drama and Art. His art tutor has said that the art gcse is lots of hard work required out of lesson time but they do get a BTEC at the end of the first year. The drama tutor said that they aim to do everything in school time maybe with half an hour per week homework.

POPPYOSCAR

Caroline73 wrote: »

My son is choosing GCSE's at the moment, he wants to do both Drama and Art. His art tutor has said that the art gcse is lots of hard work required out of lesson time but they do get a BTEC at the end of the first year. The drama tutor said that they aim to do everything in school time maybe with half an hour per week homework.

It must vary from school to school as my DD is in her 1st year Drama and has had to stay after school a few times to perform their plays and she certainly gets more than half an hour a week homework.

Caroline73_2

My sons school do GCSE over 3 years so it is a bit more spread out. I woud imagine it depends on the examining board too.

The drama tutor said he likes most of the work to be done in school as they can maintain standards better.

moneypooh

Art certainly is a 'time consuming' option. My DD did her GCSE last year and spent so many hours doing her development coursework for her final piece. However, she did get a brilliant grade and has gone on to do art at A level with 3 other subjects. She sees art as a form of relaxation, and is never happier doing homework than when sat at home watching 'friends' on the tv and doing her art coursework.

If they do the Art coursework steadily over a period of time it's manageable, you can't do it 'lastminute.com'.

Her friend took drama, and always needed less time for her coursework and the practical side was such great fun she loved every minute and has continued that on to A level.

I wish her well with whatever she chooses.

Fuzzy_Duck

I did both Art and Drama at GSCE and didn't find my Art classes to be heavy- but then I was always happily scribbling away so I found my coursework very easy. The exam on the other hand completely stressed me out, as I was convinced I wouldn't use my time effectively and not finish in time!

Drama on the other hand was a piece of cake as all rehearsals were done during class, and I don't recall getting any coursework- I think it might have just been an occasional analytical essay on a play, and writing ideas down for our performance. It was very much based on practical work. That said, the fact there was little written work proved my downfall at school, as it was seen to be an easy option. There were a lot of kids who didn't give a stuff, messed about 24/7 and ruined it for the kids who enjoyed Drama and wanted to do well. I used to love Drama class and towards the end I felt utterly depressed having to drag myself in and attempt to motivate the rest of my group.

Hopefully that won't be the case for your daughter though and I was just incredibly unlucky! I would say if you're really passionate about something, do it, regardless of work load. Provided you're organised and don't leave everything until the last minute all should be fine!