How to Revise Unit 1: Devised Theatre — WJEC GCSE Drama
Unit 1: Devised Theatre is a topic in the WJEC GCSE Drama specification. This guide covers learning objectives, examiner tips, common mistakes, and key terminology to help you revise effectively.
Examiner Tips for Unit 1: Devised Theatre
- Ensure the portfolio is edited to focus on three significant stages of development (750-900 words total).
- Designers must ensure their design is realised in performance; technical equipment can be operated by others, but the design itself is assessed.
- Use the 1 hour 30 minutes evaluation time effectively; you may bring two sides of A4 bullet point notes.
- Ensure the recording is from the audience perspective and is unedited.
- Aim to use between four and six techniques or characteristics of the chosen practitioner or genre.
- Check that the group size (2-5 actors) and design support (up to 4 designers) align with the requirements.
- Ensure the portfolio and evaluation clearly reference the chosen stimulus and practitioner/genre.
Common Mistakes in Unit 1: Devised Theatre
- Work that is significantly short, leading to insufficient evidence of development or audience engagement.
- Exceeding the maximum performance time (moderators will stop watching after the limit).
- Failure to clearly identify learners by name and candidate number at the start of the recording.
- Inadequate focus on the three significant stages of development in the portfolio.
- Lack of clear link between the chosen practitioner/genre techniques and the final performance.
- Designers failing to contribute fully to the creation of the piece.
Key Marking Points
- AO1: Create and develop ideas to communicate meaning (30 marks) - assessed through performance/design and portfolio.
- AO2: Apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions (15 marks) - assessed through the final performance/design.
- AO4: Analyse and evaluate their own work (15 marks) - assessed through the written evaluation.
- Evidence of research, creation, and development in response to the stimulus.
- Incorporation of practitioner/genre techniques to communicate meaning.
- Evidence of amending and refining work during the rehearsal process.