Drama, theatre studies and performing arts

Find out about our drama, theatre studies and performing arts qualifications for secondary schools and FE colleges, and see what professional development and resources are available to help you teach them.

Qualifications

On the drama, theatre studies and performing arts page on our qualifications website you can:

  • See all the drama qualifications we offer
  • Read updates from the drama subject expert
  • Get teaching support
  • Join the drama teacher community
  • Find key dates and timetables

Go to the drama qualifications page

Our drama, theatre studies and performing arts qualifications include:

  • GCSEs
  • A levels
  • BTEC Firsts
  • BTEC Nationals
  • BTEC Entry Level and Level 1
  • NVQs

Browse resources by Key Stage

Key Stage 4 (14-16)

Key Stage 5 and post-16

New drama campaign: #IfIWere

Ever imagined yourself at the centre of your favourite drama?

This autumn term, we’re launching #IfIWere – a social media campaign to turn the table on well-loved plays and performances.

From the classic to the contemporary, we are inviting pupils, teachers and representatives from the education and theatre world to reimagine the story, characters and outcomes of their favourite drama texts, plays or performances from their perspective.

Find out more

IfIWere

Diversity and Inclusion

We're working to improve our GCSE (9-1) Drama qualification.

We believe that the GCSE drama curriculum should be representative and inclusive of all learners.

Find out about the work we're doing

Diversity and Inclusion in Drama

Shaping the future of the GCSE drama qualification

What is the qualification development process like? How can teachers contribute to it? Why should drama be at the core of every curriculum at every stage?

Pearson's Product Developer for English and Drama, Sam Prince, and Drama and Performing Arts Senior Subject Advisor, Paul Webster spoke to Open Drama and shared their views on the future of drama, including our commitment towards making it a more diverse subject following the introduction of four new set texts within the Pearson Edexcel qualification.

Listen to the podcast

Latest online event: Representation and Inclusive Practice in Drama

Speakers included: Mezze Eade, Romana Flello, Yasmin Shomalzadeh & Jenny Sealey

Looking for ways to help your students belong and thrive in Drama? Our webinar highlighted the support needed to develop a more inclusive practice. During the session, we:

  • explored and discussed performance texts which reflect your students’ identities
  • analysed ways of introducing and using new stimuli for devised work
  • guided you to support your students’ progression to become theatre makers.

Professional development

We have a comprehensive training and events programme to support you every step of the way with delivering our qualifications, understanding the latest developments and using our online services.

Visit the new Professional Development Academy to find and book events

Get Ready to Teach BTEC Nationals 2016

Free face-to-face and online launch events for all the new BTEC National sectors.

Find out more and book online