Regulation

GCE subject-level conditions and requirements for drama and theatre (2022)

Published 11 November 2021

This regulation was withdrawn on 9 July 2024

These documents are no longer in use, as they applied only to assessments delivered in 2022.

Applies to England

Introduction

About this document

This document is part of a suite of documents which sets out the regulatory requirements for awarding organisations offering reformed A levels and AS qualifications in 2022.

We have developed all our requirements for GCE qualifications with the intention that AS and A level qualifications should fulfil the purposes set out below.

For A levels:

• define and assess achievement of the knowledge, skills and understanding which will be needed by students planning to progress to undergraduate study at a UK higher education establishment, particularly (although not only) in the same subject area
• set out a robust and internationally comparable post-16 academic course of study to develop that knowledge, skills and understanding
• permit UK universities to accurately identify the level of attainment of students
• provide a basis for school and college accountability measures at age 18
• provide a benchmark of academic ability for employers

For AS qualifications:

• provide evidence of students’ achievements in a robust and internationally comparable post-16 course of study that is a sub-set of A level content
• enable students to broaden the range of subjects they study

Requirements set out in this document

This document sets out the GCE Subject Level Conditions for Drama and Theatre (2022). These conditions will come into effect at 09:30 on 12 November 2021 for the following qualifications:

• all GCE A levels in Drama and Theatre
• all stand-alone GCE AS qualifications in Drama and Theatre

for Learners completing the qualification in 2022, except where the General Qualifications Alternative Awarding Framework applies

It also sets out our requirements in relation to:

• interpretation of the content document - an awarding organisation must comply with these requirements under Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.1(c)
• assessment objectives - awarding organisations must comply with these requirements under Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.2
• assessment - awarding organisations must comply with these requirements under Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.3

With respect to the qualifications listed above, awarding organisations must also comply with:

• our General Conditions of Recognition, which apply to all awarding organisations and qualifications
• our GCE Qualification Level Conditions and Requirements
• all relevant Regulatory Documents

With respect to all other GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre, taken by Learners completing the qualification in 2023 and after, an awarding organisation must continue to comply with the GCE Subject Level Conditions and Requirements for Drama and Theatre.

Subject Level Conditions

GCE Subject Level Conditions for Drama and Theatre

Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre) 1: Compliance with content requirements

GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.1

In respect of each GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which it makes available, or proposes to make available, an awarding organisation must -

1. (a) comply with the requirements relating to that qualification set out in the document published by the Secretary of State entitled ‘Drama and theatre AS and A level subject content’, document reference DFE-00038-2015,
2. (b) have regard to any recommendations or guidelines relating to that qualification set out in that document, and
3. (c) interpret that document in accordance with any requirements, and having regard to any guidance, which may be published by Ofqual and revised from time to time.

GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.2

In respect of each GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which it makes available, or proposes to make available, an awarding organisation must comply with any requirements, and have regard to any guidance, relating to the objectives to be met by any assessment for that qualification which may be published by Ofqual and revised from time to time.

Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre) 2: Assessment

GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.1

Condition GCE4.1 does not apply to any GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which an awarding organisation makes available, or proposes to make available.

GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.2

In respect of the total marks available for a GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which it makes available, an awarding organisation must ensure that -

1. (a) 40 per cent of those marks are made available through Assessments by Examination, and
2. (b) 60 per cent of those marks are made available through assessments set by the awarding organisation that are not Assessments by Examination.

GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.3

An awarding organisation must ensure that in respect of each assessment for a GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which it makes available it complies with any requirements, and has regard to any guidance, which may be published by Ofqual and revised from time to time.

Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre) 3: Live performance statements

GCE(Drama and Theatre)3.1

In respect of each assessment cycle for a GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which it awards after 1 January 2019, an awarding organisation must -

1. (a) require each Centre to provide a live performance statement to the awarding organisation, and
2. (b) treat any failure by a Centre to provide a live performance statement to the awarding organisation in a timely manner as malpractice and/or maladministration (under General Condition A8 (Malpractice and maladministration)).

GCE(Drama and Theatre)3.2

For the purposes of this condition, a ‘live performance statement’ is a true and accurate written statement made by a Centre to an awarding organisation which confirms that it has taken reasonable steps to secure that each Learner to which that Centre has delivered the assessments to be taken in a particular assessment cycle for a GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which the awarding organisation makes available has met the requirement to experience live performance specified in paragraph 10 of the document published by the Secretary of State entitled ‘Drama and theatre AS and A level subject content’, document reference DFE-00038-2015, as interpreted in line with the requirements published under Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.1(c).

Subject content requirements

Requirements in relation to subject content for GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre

The subject content for GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre is set out in the Department for Education’s Drama and Theatre GCE subject content, document reference DFE-00038-2015 (the ‘Content Document’).

Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.1(c) requires awarding organisations to interpret the Content Document in line with any requirements, and having regard to any guidance, published by Ofqual.

We set out our requirements for the purposes of Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.1(c) below.

Study of performance texts

An awarding organisation must interpret paragraph 7, bullet points 1 and 2 of the Content Document as being disapplied if the strict requirements of those provisions cannot be met due to the awarding organisation making changes to its usual non-examination assessments in line with the requirements for 2022 published under Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.3.

Live performance

An awarding organisation must interpret paragraph 10 of the Content Document as if the reference to Learners’ experience of live performance permits Learners to view streamed or recorded performances.

Analysis and evaluation of the work of others

An awarding organisation must ensure that in the Assessments by Examination analysis and evaluation of live theatre performance by others can be undertaken in response to streamed or recorded performances.

Assessment objectives

Assessment objectives - GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre

Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.2 allows us to specify requirements relating to the objectives to be met by any assessment for GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre.

The assessment objectives set out below constitute requirements for the purposes of Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)1.2. Awarding organisations must comply with these requirements in relation to all GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre they make available.

Assessment objective	Description	A level weighting	AS weighting
AO1	Create and develop ideas to communicate meaning as part of the theatre making process, making connections between dramatic theory and practice	20 to 30%	20 to 30%
AO2	Apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance	20 to 30%	20 to 30%
AO3	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed	20 to 30%	20 to 30%
AO4	Analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others	20 to 25%	20 to 25%

Assessment requirements

Requirements in relation to assessments for GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre

Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.3 allows us to specify requirements and guidance in relation to assessments for GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre.

We set out our requirements for the purposes of Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.3 below.

Set texts for assessments

In respect of a GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which it makes available or proposes to make available, an awarding organisation must -

1. (a) set and publish a list of complete and substantial performance texts and key extracts in respect of which Learners will be assessed in the assessments for the qualification (the ‘Set Texts’),
2. (b) keep its list of Set Texts under review and revise it from time to time,
3. (c) assess each Learner’s knowledge and understanding of the Set Texts, through -
   1. (i) the Assessments by Examination, or
   2. (ii) the Assessments by Examination and the assessments which are not Assessments by Examination,
4. (d) outline in its assessment strategy -
   1. (i) how its approach to the assessment of Learners’ knowledge and understanding of the Set Texts will meet the requirements of the Department for Education’s Drama and Theatre AS and A level subject content, document reference DFE-00038-2015 (the ‘Content Document’), and
   2. (ii) in particular, how it will ensure that each Learner studies in its entirety each Set Text with respect to which he or she is assessed,
5. (e) outline in its assessment strategy the reasonable steps which it will take, in accordance with General Condition G1.2, to ensure that the Level of Demand of each assessment is consistent -
   1. (i) across all options as to tasks in relation to different Set Texts, and
   2. (ii) with the Level of Demand of previous assessments, including those with options as to tasks in relation to different Set Texts,
6. (f) take reasonable steps to ensure that when taking an Assessment by Examination for the qualification, no Learner has access to a Set Text which is not a clean copy of that text,
7. (g) where a Learner uses all or part of a Set Text for the purposes of the Text Based Performance, ensure that Learner is not credited for responding to questions or tasks on the same Set Text in an Assessment by Examination, and
8. (h) ensure that each question or task in an Assessment by Examination which relates to a text or extract relates to either -
   1. (i) an unseen text or extract which has been provided by the awarding organisation as Stimulus Materials, and/or
   2. (ii) a Set Text (which may be provided by the awarding organisation as Stimulus Materials).

For the purposes of paragraph (a) above, the terms ‘complete and substantial performance text’ and ‘key extract’ must be interpreted consistently with the Content Document, and our associated guidance.

For the purposes of paragraph (f) above, a clean copy of a Set Text is a copy of that text as published and which contains no additional marks, notes, annotations, or any other alteration or inclusion.

Forms of non-examination assessment

Condition GCE(Drama and Theatre)2.2(b) states that an awarding organisation must ensure that of the total marks available for a GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre, 60 per cent of those marks shall be made available through assessments set by the awarding organisation which are not Assessments by Examination.

In respect of the assessments which are not Assessments by Examination, an awarding organisation must ensure that -

1. (a) for a GCE A level qualification in Drama and Theatre -
   1. (i) at least 20 per cent of the total marks available for the qualification are made available through one or more tasks which assess a Learner’s ability to participate in the performance of a devised piece (the ‘Devised Performance’),
   2. (ii) at least 20 per cent of the total marks available for the qualification are made available through one or more tasks which assess a Learner’s ability to participate in the performance of an extract (the ‘Text Based Performance’),
   3. (iii) at least one of the Devised Performance or Text Based Performance assesses both assessment objective AO1 and assessment objective AO2,
   4. (iv) where either the Devised Performance or the Text Based Performance does not assess assessment objective AO1, an Assessor has regard to evidence of each Learner’s artistic intentions for that performance for the purpose of assessing that performance against assessment objective AO2, and
   5. (v) the 60 per cent of the total marks available for the qualification which are made available through the Devised Performance and the Text Based Performance, taken together, are comprised as follows -
      1. (A) at least 20 per cent through marks available in respect of assessment objective AO1 (taken together, the Devised Performance and Text Based Performance must assess AO1 in its entirety),
      2. (B) at least 20 per cent through marks available in respect of assessment objective AO2 (taken together, the Devised Performance and Text Based Performance must assess AO2 in its entirety), and
      3. (C) at least 10 per cent through marks available in respect of assessment objective AO4.
2. (b) for a GCE AS qualification in Drama and Theatre -
   1. (i) those marks are made available through one or more tasks which assess a Learner’s ability to participate in the performance of an extract including the creation and development of ideas to communicate meaning for theatrical performance, the application of theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance and the analysis and evaluation of their own work (the ‘Text Based Performance’),
   2. (ii) assessment objectives AO1 and AO2 are assessed in their entirety through the Text Based Performance,
   3. (iii) where a Text Based Performance task does not assess assessment objective AO1, an Assessor has regard to evidence of each Learner’s artistic intentions for that performance for the purpose of assessing that performance against assessment objective AO2, and
   4. (iv) the remaining marks for the Text Based Performance are allocated to assessment objective AO4.

For clarity, in relation to paragraphs (a)(iv) and (b)(iii) above, where a Devised Performance or a Text Based Performance is assessing only assessment objective AO2, we do not expect evidence of a Learner’s artistic intentions to be marked.

In relation to paragraph (a)(v)c. and (b)(iv), a Learner’s analysis and evaluation of his or her own work must only be assessed through -

1. (a) in respect of a GCE A level qualification in Drama and Theatre, the Devised Performance and/or the Text Based Performance, and
2. (b) in respect of a GCE AS qualification in Drama and Theatre, the Text Based Performance.

Those assessments may, but are not required to, also assess a Learner’s analysis and evaluation of the work of others.

Roles within non-examination assessment

The Content Document allows Learners to be assessed in the role of performer, or director or in a number of different designer roles. This variety of roles creates a number of optional routes through the qualification.

An awarding organisation must ensure that it -

1. (a) sets out in the specification for the qualification all of the different roles in which a Learner may be assessed in the Text Based Performance and, in relation to a GCE A level in Drama and Theatre, the Devised Performance , and
2. (b) demonstrates to Ofqual’s satisfaction in its assessment strategy that it has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that it will have maximum control over comparability of standards between different routes through the qualification at all points within the cycle of setting and marking of assessments and awarding the qualification.

The Devised Performance (A level)

The requirements in this section apply to GCE A level qualifications in Drama and Theatre which an awarding organisation makes available or proposes to make available.

An awarding organisation must ensure that each Devised Performance is designed and set to -

1. (a) require each learner to -
   1. (i) participate, in the role of a performer, or a director or a designer, in the performance of -
      1. (A) a devised monologue of at least 1 minute and 30 seconds, and/or
      2. (B) a devised duologue of at least 3 minutes, and/or
      3. (C) a devised group performance of at least 3 minutes, and
   2. (ii) produce evidence which demonstrates, as appropriate to the task, the Learner’s contribution to the creation and development of ideas, the application of theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions and their analysis and evaluation of their own work, and
2. (b) be taken under conditions specified by the awarding organisation, including, in particular, conditions which ensure that the evidence generated by each Learner can be Authenticated.

For the purposes of paragraph (a)(ii) above, evidence may include photographs and/or recordings and/or artefacts such as a drawing of a costume or set, an annotated script, notes of intention or a similar representation. An awarding organisation must also require that evidence to include analysis and evaluation of the work of others where that analysis and evaluation is being assessed through the Devised Performance.

In respect of each Devised Performance, an awarding organisation must ensure that the Centre which delivered the assessment provides the awarding organisation with either -

1. (a) a complete and unedited audiovisual recording of the performance, made from the perspective of the audience, or
2. (b) alternative evidence to illustrate the intended final piece, the Learner’s contribution to the creation and development of ideas, and their analysis and evaluation of their own work, as appropriate to the task. Such evidence may include -
   1. (i) audio-visual recordings of complete performance,
   2. (ii) audio-visual recordings of physical demonstration(s) of key aspects with explanation of how they inform the final piece,
   3. (iii) original and non-original photographs, images, drawings or sketches with annotations to illustrate intentions for performance or design,
   4. (iv) scripts,
   5. (v) written accounts, or
   6. (vi) a video diary.

The Text Based Performance (A level)

The requirements in this section apply to GCE A level qualifications in Drama and Theatre which an awarding organisation makes available or proposes to make available.

An awarding organisation must ensure that each Text Based Performance is designed and set to -

1. (a) require each learner to -
   1. (i) participate in the role of a performer, or a director or a designer, in a performance of -
      1. (A) a text-based monologue of at least 1 minute and 30 seconds, and/or
      2. (B) a text-based duologue of at least 3 minutes, and/or
      3. (C) a text-based group performance of at least 3 minutes, and
   2. (b) produce evidence which demonstrates, as appropriate to the task, the Learner’s contribution to the creation and development of ideas, the application of theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions and their analysis and evaluation of their own work, and
   3. (c) be taken under conditions specified by the awarding organisation, including, in particular, conditions which ensure that the evidence generated by each Learner can be Authenticated.

For the purposes of paragraph a(i) above, the term ‘text-based’ means taken from any dramatic work which has been professionally commissioned and/or professionally produced. This includes, but is not limited to, dramatic works included in the list of Set Texts published by the awarding organisation. Where an awarding organisation allows the use of a dramatic work which is not included in its list of Set Texts it must put in place appropriate controls around the selection of the dramatic work, and any excerpt from it, which ensure that the requirements of the Content Document and General Condition G1.2 are met.

For the purposes of paragraph (a)(ii) above, evidence may include photographs and/or recordings and/or artefacts such as a drawing of a costume or set, an annotated script, notes of intention or a similar representation. An awarding organisation must also require that evidence to include analysis and evaluation of the work of others where that analysis and evaluation is being assessed through the Text Based Performance.

In respect of each Text Based Performance, an awarding organisation must ensure that the Centre which delivered the assessment provides the awarding organisation with either -

1. (a) a complete and unedited audiovisual recording of the performance, made from the perspective of the audience, or
2. (b) alternative evidence of each discrete aspect of a Learner’s individual contribution. Such evidence may include -
   1. (i) for performers, audio-visual recording of acting performance alone without need for fully designed set/lighting/costumes, and
   2. (ii) for directors and designers -
      1. (A) a prototype of the relevant product(s),
      2. (B) original photographs, drawings or annotated sketches of designs,
      3. (C) annotated scripts,
      4. (D) video or written accounts, or
      5. (E) physical demonstrations.

The Text Based Performance (AS)

The requirements in this section apply to GCE AS qualifications in Drama and Theatre which an awarding organisation makes available or proposes to make available.

An awarding organisation must ensure that each Text Based Performance is designed and set to -

1. (a) require each learner to -
   1. (i) participate in the role of a performer, or a director or a designer, in a performance of -
      1. (A) a text-based monologue of at least 1 minute and 30 seconds, and/or
      2. (B) a text-based duologue of at least 3 minutes, and/or
      3. (C) a text-based group performance of at least 3 minutes,
   2. (ii) produce evidence which demonstrates, as appropriate to the task, the Learner’s contribution to the creation and development of ideas, the application of theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions and their analysis and evaluation of their own work, and
2. (b) be taken under conditions specified by the awarding organisation, including, in particular, conditions which ensure that the evidence generated by each Learner can be Authenticated.

For the purposes of paragraph a(i) above, the term ‘text-based’ means taken from any dramatic work which has been professionally commissioned and/or professionally produced. This includes, but is not limited to, dramatic works included in the list of Set Texts published by the awarding organisation. Where an awarding organisation allows the use of a dramatic work which is not included in its list of Set Texts it must put in place appropriate controls around the selection of the dramatic work, and any excerpt from it, which ensure that the requirements of the Content Document and General Condition G1.2 are met.

For the purposes of paragraph (a)(ii) above, evidence may include photographs and/or recordings and/or artefacts such as a drawing of a costume or set, an annotated script, notes of intention or a similar representation. An awarding organisation must also require that evidence to include analysis and evaluation of the work of others where that analysis and evaluation is being assessed through the Text Based Performance.

In respect of each Text Based Performance, an awarding organisation must ensure that the Centre which delivered the assessment provides the awarding organisation with either -

1. (a) a complete and unedited audiovisual recording of the performance, made from the perspective of the audience, or
2. (b) alternative evidence of each discrete aspect of a Learner’s individual contribution. Such evidence may include -
   1. (i) for performers, audio-visual recording of acting performance alone without need for fully designed set, lighting or costumes, and
   2. (ii) for directors and designers -
      1. (A) a prototype of the relevant product(s),
      2. (B) original photographs, drawings or annotated sketches of designs,
      3. (C) annotated scripts,
      4. (D) video or written accounts, or
      5. (E) physical demonstrations.

Marking of assessments

The requirements in this section apply to all GCE Qualifications in Drama and Theatre which an awarding organisation makes available or proposes to make available.

The evidence generated by a Learner in an assessment for a GCE Qualification in Drama and Theatre which is not an Assessment by Examination may be marked -

1. (a) by the awarding organisation or a person connected to the awarding organisation,
2. (b) by a Centre, or
3. (c) through a combination of (a) and (b).

In any event, the awarding organisation must demonstrate to Ofqual’s satisfaction in its assessment strategy that -

1. (a) it has taken all reasonable steps to identify the risk of any Adverse Effect which may result from its approach to marking the assessments which are not Assessments by Examination (and to Moderation where appropriate), and
2. (b) where such a risk is identified, it has taken all reasonable steps to prevent that Adverse Effect or, where it cannot be prevented, to mitigate that Adverse Effect.