Complete revision notes for A-Level Drama covering 26 topics across 6 strands. Aligned with the AQA 8261 specification. Covers Theatrical Terms and Conventions, Practitioners and Styles, Devising Drama, Performing Texts, Live Theatre Review, and Design and Technical Theatre — including practitioner theory, performance skills, portfolio writing and exam technique.
A-Level Drama is assessed through three components: a written exam (Understanding Drama, 40%) and two NEA components (Devising Drama 30%, Texts in Practice 30%). Students devise original drama, perform extracts from scripts, and analyse live theatre. The written exam tests knowledge of a set text and evaluation of live theatre.
| Component | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding Drama | Written exam: Section A (set text), Section B (live theatre review) | 40% |
| Devising Drama | NEA: Devised performance + devising portfolio | 30% |
| Texts in Practice | NEA: Two performed extracts from a play (visiting examiner) | 30% |
| AO | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Recall knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre | 20% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of drama when analysing | 20% |
| AO3 | Apply knowledge and understanding of drama when performing | 30% |
| AO4 | Analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others | 30% |
Stanislavski: Naturalism, system, given circumstances, magic if, emotion memory
Brecht: Epic theatre, alienation effect, gestus, political theatre
Artaud: Theatre of Cruelty, total theatre, assault on the senses
Frantic Assembly: Physical theatre, chair work, push hands, lift and lean
Boal: Theatre of the Oppressed, forum theatre, spect-actors
Access official past papers and mark schemes from each exam board:
| Exam Board | Past Papers & Mark Schemes |
|---|---|
| AQA | AQA Drama Past Papers ↗ |
| Edexcel | Edexcel Drama Past Papers ↗ |
| OCR | OCR Drama Past Papers ↗ |