Specification: WJEC-GCSE-Drama
The WJEC GCSE Drama specification covers 4 topics with 0 learning objectives (WJEC-GCSE-Drama). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.
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Topics
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Objectives
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Exam Tips
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Pitfalls
WJEC GCSE Drama offers a dynamic and engaging journey into the world of theatre, combining practical performance work with academic study. You will explore drama as both a creative and intellectual subject, developing skills in acting, directing, and design while building confidence and collaboration. The course is structured around three core components that take you from devising your own original theatre to performing scripted plays and critically analysing professional productions.
Throughout this specification, you will gain hands-on experience in creating and performing drama, learning how to use your body, voice, and space to communicate meaning. You will also study a full set text in detail, understanding it from the perspectives of a performer, director, and designer, which deepens your appreciation of how theatre is constructed. Key themes include storytelling, interpretation, character development, and the evaluation of live performance.
The WJEC specification is designed to be accessible and student-friendly, with a strong focus on practical assessment (60% of the total marks). It encourages you to reflect on your own work and the work of others, providing a well-rounded qualification that prepares you for further study in drama, theatre studies, or any career requiring communication and teamwork. Whether you dream of being on stage or behind the scenes, this GCSE gives you the tools to understand and create theatre with confidence.
The qualification is assessed through three components, totalling 200 marks. Component 1: Devising Theatre (40%) is a practical unit where you create an original performance and document the process in a portfolio; it is internally assessed and externally moderated. Component 2: Performing from a Text (20%) is a practical exam where you perform two extracts from a published play, externally assessed by a visiting examiner. Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (40%) is a 1 hour 30 minute written paper covering a set text and a live theatre evaluation, marked externally. All components must be completed to achieve the GCSE.
Create and develop ideas to communicate meaning for theatrical performance
Apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed
Analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
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