2. Understanding Standards: Higher Course Event
Drama

3. Aims of the Day
To support Teachers, Lecturers and Assessors in their understanding of national standards by:
reviewing candidate evidence
discussing this evidence and associated Marking Instructions with colleagues
asking questions and seeking clarification about national standards

4. Recap on Year One Session 2015-16
Performance
Acting was the preferred option, Design the second and Direction chosen by a minority
In Preparation for Performance the 500-word count was suitable and many attained the higher end of marks available
Many centres are becoming confident in exploring new texts

5. Recap on Year One Session 2015-16
Performance – Acting
Areas in which candidates performed well:
The freedom of choice of text allowed for the selection
of appropriate roles to suit the candidates’ talent
Candidates who demonstrated understanding and a
clear interpretation of their roles did well
Candidates were supported when the acting event
had the appropriate sense of occasion

6. Recap on Year One Session 2015-16
Performance – Directing
Areas in which candidates performed well:
Effective directors knew the whole text well
They knew the concepts they wished to explore in
rehearsal
Some directors demonstrated excellent interpersonal
skills

7. Recap on Year One Session 2015-16
Performance – Design
Areas in which candidates performed well:
Candidates often demonstrated a passion for their work
Successful candidates communicated coherent, original and imaginative concepts for the whole play
Candidates who demonstrated a high level of skill in their chosen production area did well and some made excellent use of technology

8. Recap on Year One Session 2015-16
Question Paper
Almost all candidates completed two full responses in essay style format
Almost all candidates managed to complete the paper in the time given
The re-wording of Question 7 made it more accessible to all

9. Recap on Year One Session 2015-16
Question Paper Section 1
Areas in which candidates performed well:
Question 3 and 4 – candidates who knew their character well, using the whole play/text to support their analysis
Candidates who described detailed, integrated acting concepts
Candidates who used textual exemplification, almost always quotations

10. Recap on Year One Session 2015-16
Question Paper Section 2
Areas in which candidates performed well:
Candidates who had engaged with the performance
Candidates who addressed the particular focus of
the question, ie the creation of tension
Candidates who analysed the whole acting concept
and not just, for example, voice