GCSE
DRAMA
Component 1 Understanding Drama
2024_AQA-GCSE Drama – Component 1: Understanding Drama
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
Thursday 9 May 2024
Thursday 9 May 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 12-page answer book
• a copy of the set play you have studied. This play must not be annotated and must not contain
additional notes.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The reference for this
paper is 8261/W.
• Answer all questions in Section A.
• Answer one question in Section B. Answer all parts to this question as instructed.
• Answer one question in Section C.
• You must answer on different plays for Section B and Section C.
• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
• The total number of marks available for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets.
• Section A carries 4 marks. Section B carries 44 marks. Section C carries 32 marks.
• All questions require answers in continuous prose. However, where appropriate, you could
support your answers with sketches and/or diagrams.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
,GCSE Drama: Component 1 - Understanding Drama
The GCSE Drama Component 1: Understanding Drama exam is scheduled for May 2025.This
component tests students' understanding of drama texts and their ability to analyze and evaluate dramatic
performances. It focuses on appreciating and analyzing plays, theatrical techniques, and the role of
various aspects of production, such as acting, design, and direction.
Key Areas Covered:
1. Knowledge of a Set Text
Students will need to study one set play in depth. Common plays used in GCSE Drama include works such as:
o "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley
o "Blood Brothers" by Willy Russell
o "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare
o "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller
o "The History Boys" by Alan Bennett
Key Aspects to Focus On:
o Plot: The storyline, key events, and turning points.
o Characters: The main characters, their development, motivations, and relationships.
o Themes: The key themes explored in the play (e.g., social class, justice, power, love, etc.).
o Context: The historical, social, and cultural context of the play and how it influences the characters and
events.
o Language: The playwright's use of language, including symbolism, metaphors, and stage directions.
2. Theatrical Terminology and Techniques
Dramatic Techniques: Students should be familiar with various techniques used in drama, such as:
o Stage directions (e.g., blocking, pacing, use of space).
o Lighting, sound, and set design: How these elements enhance the mood, themes, and atmosphere.
o Costume and props: Their role in character development and setting the scene.
o Acting techniques: How actors use voice, body language, facial expressions, and movement to bring
characters to life.
Performing Arts Terms: Understanding key drama terms such as monologue, soliloquy, aside, chorus, and
prologue.
3. Analysis of a Live Theatre Production
Students will be required to analyze a live theatre performance they have seen. They should be able to evaluate
how the production used dramatic techniques to create impact, including:
o Acting: The performances of the actors, including characterization, expression, and delivery of lines.
o Design Elements: The use of set, costumes, lighting, and sound in enhancing the performance.
o Directorial Choices: How the director interpreted the script and how the production choices (e.g., staging,
blocking) impacted the overall performance.
o Audience Response: The effect of the performance on the audience and how the director and actors
achieved this.
4. Evaluation of Drama
Evaluating Performance: Students should demonstrate the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of performances.
This involves looking at:
o Impact: How the performance made them feel, and the themes or messages conveyed.
o Strengths and Weaknesses: Analyzing what worked well in the production and what could have been
improved.
o Interpretation: How the director’s and actors’ interpretations of the text influenced the performance.
Critical Responses: Students should be able to support their evaluations with specific examples from the
production, using drama terminology accurately.
,5. Understanding the Role of the Practitioner
Playwright’s Intentions: Understanding the role of the playwright in crafting a play, creating characters, and
exploring themes.
The Role of the Director: How the director shapes the vision of the play, from casting to staging.
The Role of Designers and Technicians: How designers contribute to the atmosphere through set design, lighting,
sound, and costume.
The Role of Actors: How actors bring characters to life and convey meaning through performance.
IB/G/Jun24/G4001/E9 8261/W
, 2
Section A: Theatre roles and terminology
Answer all questions in this section.
For each question, you should write the question number and the letter that is next to the
correct answer in your answer book.
Only one answer per question is allowed.
0 1 In the professional theatre, which team is responsible for keeping the prompt copy?
A Front of House
B Actors
C Stage Management
[1 mark]
Figure 1
0 2 What type of staging is shown in Figure 1?
A Thrust
B Theatre in the Round
C Proscenium Arch
[1 mark]
IB/G/Jun24/8261/W
