GCSE (for first teaching in 2009) Drama - J315

Structure

• The specification is now unitised
• Candidates can take units at the end of the first year and re-sit units
• Flexible order of delivery.

• The three-unit structure is comparable to the three-component structure of the old specification
• Centres can still deliver this course in a linear fashion
• Centres can still teach all the content of the course (units) before delivering assessments.

Content

• In Unit A581 candidates deliver a text extract, not improvisation based on the text
• In Unit A583 (practical examination) there are more options for candidate outcome.

• The principles of the areas of study that form the underpinning content are maintained
• Candidates still work with text and stimulus material.

Assessment

• Coursework now becomes controlled assessment but still maintains flexibility
• No written paper. All candidates do a practical examination which incorporates options previously found in the written paper
• Process of postal moderation easier to administer than setting up a live moderation session
• Option to work individually or in pairs in all units
• Candidates working record now replaces portfolio evidence.

• Every centre will still be visited by an assessor from OCR
• The familiar marking bands ('Accomplished' to 'Limited') are maintained
• A form of the realisation test remains, but now there are additional options to work in the roles of designer, deviser and director as well as performer
• Candidates can still present evidence in a variety of formats for all units, but now there are even more options for presenting ideas for assessment.