Summer 2021 adaptations: Supporting you in GCSE Drama, AS and A Level Drama and Theatre
14 December 2020
We've already provided information on the adaptations we've made to some of our GCSE, AS and A Level qualifications for students certifying in 2021.
To support you further, we can now confirm arrangements for submitting non-exam assessment (NEA) for the following adapted qualifications:
Externally assessed components: visit replacement arrangements
How will the assessments take place for 2021?
For the June 2021 series, we will not be sending visiting examiners to centres for GCSE Drama (Presenting and Performing Texts) and A Level Drama and Theatre (Exploring and Performing Texts).
Instead, we will ask you to film the performances and upload them digitally to us or send them by post to your examiner. The arrangements for the remote visiting examination will be as similar to the normal process as possible, without having an examiner visiting your centre.
Assessment window and submission dates
The assessment window will be from 1 January 2021 to 1 June 2021. This means you can arrange to record your performances for assessment at any time in this window.
We have produced new submission booking forms for 2021 to replace the usual visit arrangement form:
Use these forms to select a week when you would like to submit your candidates’ work (videos and concept pro formas) to us. Please submit the forms by 8 January 2021.
Performances may be recorded at any time within the assessment window but must be submitted during your booked submission period.
The submission period will be from 1 February to 1 June 2021.
How to submit work
When you book your submission period, you will also be asked to choose your submission method:
- Digital upload — eSubmission is our new system for uploading candidate work, which will be available from February. You will need to upload performance videos and accompanying concept pro formas. We will provide guidance on how to upload your work in the new year.
- By post — If you choose to submit work by post, your examiner will contact you towards the end of January to provide you with their contact details so you can send the videos and pro formas to them. Please make sure that the USBs are password protected and you notify your examiner separately of the password.
When you make your entries by the deadline of 21 February 2021, please make sure your entry option matches your submission method.
Preparing the work
As your examiner will be assessing from the video files, the quality of vision and sound on the film is very important. Video files need to be .MP4 or .M4V to enable them to be streamed by your examiner. The video will need to be filmed as usual from a fixed point with no obstructions. The film must not be edited but sent as it is recorded.
It is essential the examiner receives clear communication which will enable them to identify candidates easily – photos in costume and written descriptions will be required. You can continue to use the group identification form as usual for this.
Concept pro formas and supporting documents can be Word or PDF documents, with PDF preferable.
More detailed guidance for file formats for eSubmission will be sent after Christmas.
What next?
You can plan to hold performances and filming now, as long as it falls within the assessment window starting on the 1 January, even though the submission window is opening later.
Please choose your submission period and complete the form by 8 January.
We will send more updates and guidance after Christmas to support the submission of work and use of the eSubmission system.
Updated and new NEA forms
We have updated the centre assessment forms for the internally assessed components of our adapted Drama qualifications as there are different requirements in place for 2021. Please make sure you complete these forms for the June 2021 NEA components.
We have also created new Witness Statements. These only need to be used if you are unable to record and submit a drama performance for either of the NEA components.
GCSE Drama (J316)
A Level Drama and Theatre (H459)
AS Level Drama and Theatre (H059)
All forms can be downloaded from the Forms finder web page and the Administration > Forms section of the qualification pages for Drama and Drama and Theatre.
If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email us at support@ocr.org.uk.
Qualifications