Excellence for all and excellence from all

GCSE Drama

This GCSE specification in Drama aims to encourage students to be inspired, moved and reflective by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It aims to prepare learners to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.

Following a course in GCSE Drama will enable students to:

  • actively engage in the process of dramatic study in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds;
  • work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas;
  • reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others;
  • develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills;
  • develop a basis for their future role as active citizens in employment and society in general as well as for the possible further study of drama;
  • consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities

Summary of Assessment Unit One: Devised Practical Performance (60%)

Controlled Assessment
120 marks (120 UMS)

Task One - 40% Devised Performance (AO1, AO2)

Candidates will devise a practical performance based on a theme, linked with a practitioner or genre.

  • Candidates may choose either acting or a theatre design skill;
  • Teachers record the work on DVD/Video;
  • Internally assessed and externally moderated with task two

Task Two - 20% Devised Performance Report (AO3)

Candidates will complete a written report on the practical work they completed in task one, under formal supervision.

  • The report should include details of live performances candidates have seen, which have influenced their practical work; details on decision making; the inclusion of technical elements and the content of the piece, and an evaluation of their own work and that of the group;
  • Internally assessed and externally moderated with task one

Unit Two: Performance from a Text (20%)

External Assessment
50 marks (40 UMS)

Candidates will be assessed on either their acting or a theatre design skill, in a scene from a published play.

  • Candidates to work in groups of between 2 to 5 members;
  • No more than two additional design candidates per group, each working on a different skill;
  • Externally assessed by a visiting examiner in April/May

Unit Three: Written Examination (20%)

Written Paper: 1½ hours
50 marks (40 UMS)

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to analyse one set text as an actor, designer and director and to evaluate practical work completed in Unit 2.