Skip to course topics
    ← Drama and Theatre

    AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre

    Explore your course, one topic at a time.

    Course overview

    The AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre specification covers 19 study areas with 240 learning objectives (7262). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    • 19 study areas
    • 240 learning objectives
    Course 7262
    19
    topics

    This course is being built. Practice is AI-generated until checked.

    Your exams

    • Drama and TheatreMonday, 17 May 2027, AM
    Official timetable (opens in a new tab)

    Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.

    Explore your topics

    19 study areas

    Drama and theatre in context1 topic
    Drama and theatre6 study areas
    Creating original drama3 study areas
    Making theatre1 topic
    Guidance on theatrical skills 3.4.1 Performer7 study areas
    Prescribed practitioners1 topic
    About this course

    About AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre

    The AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre course offers an exciting and rigorous exploration of performance, design, and critical analysis. You will study a diverse range of play texts, from classic works to contemporary pieces, and engage with the theories and practices of influential theatre practitioners. The course encourages you to develop your skills as a creator, performer, and informed audience member, fostering a deep understanding of how theatre is made and received.

    The specification is structured into three components: two practical units and one written exam. In the practical components, you will create and perform original drama and work on a scripted performance, either as a performer or designer. The written exam assesses your knowledge and understanding of two set texts and a live theatre production you have seen. This balanced approach ensures you develop both practical expertise and analytical acumen.

    Assessment Structure

    The AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre is assessed through three components. Component 1: Drama and Theatre (written exam, 40% of A-Level, 80 marks) includes questions on two set texts and a live theatre production. Component 2: Creating Original Drama (practical coursework, 30% of A-Level, 60 marks) requires you to create and perform a piece of original drama influenced by a prescribed practitioner, accompanied by a working notebook. Component 3: Making Theatre (practical coursework, 30% of A-Level, 60 marks) involves performing three extracts from different plays, with a reflective report. All components are mandatory and are marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

    Why Choose AQA?

    • AQA offers a clear and flexible specification that allows you to choose your own set texts and practitioners, enabling you to tailor the course to your interests and strengths.
    • The practical components are highly regarded by universities and drama schools, as they develop transferable skills such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
    • AQA provides excellent support materials, including exemplar work and detailed guidance, which helps both students and teachers navigate the requirements effectively.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What set texts will I study for AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre?
    For the written exam, you will study two set texts: one pre-1900 and one post-1900. The exact texts are chosen by your school from a list provided by AQA, which includes works such as 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' by Bertolt Brecht and 'Yerma' by Federico Garcia Lorca. You will explore these texts practically and analytically, focusing on how they can be interpreted for performance. Your teacher will select texts that best suit the strengths and interests of your cohort.
    How is the practical work assessed in AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre?
    Practical work is assessed through two coursework components: Creating Original Drama and Making Theatre. In Creating Original Drama, you devise a piece based on a practitioner and submit a working notebook. In Making Theatre, you perform three extracts from different plays and write a reflective report. Both are marked by your teacher and moderated by AQA. The practical work is worth 60% of the overall A-Level, so it is a significant part of your grade.
    Do I need to have studied GCSE Drama to take AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre?
    While it is helpful to have studied GCSE Drama, it is not a strict requirement for AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre. Many students join without prior formal drama education and succeed through dedication and hard work. However, you should have a strong interest in theatre and a willingness to perform or design in front of an audience. Some schools may ask for a GCSE in Drama or a related subject, so check with your sixth form or college.
    What career paths can AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre lead to?
    AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre can lead to a variety of careers in the creative industries, such as acting, directing, stage management, set design, and arts administration. It also develops transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and critical analysis, which are valuable in many fields, including law, teaching, and media. Many students go on to study drama at university or drama school, while others use the qualification as a stepping stone to broader humanities or social science degrees.
    How much time is allocated for the written exam and what does it cover?
    The written exam for AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre is 2 hours and 30 minutes long and is worth 40% of your final grade. It is divided into three sections: Section A focuses on a set text from a pre-1900 list, Section B on a set text from a post-1900 list, and Section C on a live theatre production you have seen. You will answer questions that test your analytical and interpretive skills, as well as your knowledge of theatrical context and performance possibilities.
    Assessment and exam guidance

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    AQA
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

    Ready for a little practice?

    Create your account to start practising Drama and Theatre.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    Start free

    Cookies on MasteryMind

    Essential cookies keep you signed in.

    Analytics and advertising cookies stay off unless you accept.

    Read our Privacy Policy.