Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre specification (9DR0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre (9DR0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre course encourages students to engage with theatre practically and creatively, fostering collaboration, communication, and independent exploration of performance and design. The course enables students to devise original performances, interpret texts, and understand the practices of influential theatre practitioners. It develops their ability to apply theatrical skills, analyse live performance, and evaluate their own and others’ work. Through practical exploration and critical reflection, students gain a deep understanding of theatre-making in its social, historical, and cultural contexts, preparing them for further study or professional practice in drama and theatre:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Devising
- Create an original performance based on a key extract and theatre practitioner’s methods.
- Perform as a group or contribute through design (costume, lighting, set, sound).
- Devise work must show exploration of text, practitioner style, and creative process.
- Produce a portfolio reflecting research, analysis, development, and evaluation.
- Group size: 3–6 performance students, with possible designers.
- Performance length guidelines: 15–30 minutes depending on group size.
- Assessed on portfolio (AO1, AO4) and performance (AO2):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Component 2: Text in Performance
- Perform a monologue or duologue and a group piece from different texts.
- Focus on demonstrating skills in performance or design roles.
- Texts must be professionally published, substantial (60 mins+), and meet criteria for challenge and diversity.
- Group size: 3–6 performers; monologue/duologue time limits apply.
- Assessed externally by visiting examiner or via recorded performance (AO2):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice
- Written exam with three sections:
- Section A: Live theatre evaluation (AO4).
- Section B: Realising a performance text (AO3).
- Section C: Interpreting a performance text in light of a practitioner (AO3).
- Study set texts from prescribed lists A and B.
- Practical exploration of texts and practitioners to inform exam responses.
- Must experience live theatre and submit a performance statement.
- Focus on directing, designing, performing, and critical analysis:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Devising
- 40% of A Level (80 marks).
- Internally assessed, externally moderated.
- Portfolio (60 marks): written (2500–3000 words), recorded, or combination.
- Performance/design realisation (20 marks).
- Assesses AO1 (creating and developing), AO2 (application in performance), AO4 (analysis and evaluation).
Component 2: Text in Performance
- 20% of A Level (60 marks).
- Externally assessed by visiting examiner or recorded performance.
- Group performance (36 marks).
- Monologue/duologue (24 marks).
- Assesses AO2 (application in performance).
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice
- 40% of A Level (80 marks).
- 2 hours 30 minutes written exam.
- Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation (20 marks, AO4).
- Section B: Page to Stage Realisation (36 marks, AO3).
- Section C: Interpretation of a Performance Text (24 marks, AO3).
- Must include practical and theoretical understanding.
- Clean copies of prescribed texts required for Section C.
Overall Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (20%): Create and develop ideas.
- AO2 (30%): Apply skills in live performance.
- AO3 (30%): Demonstrate knowledge and understanding.
AO4 (20%): Analyse and evaluate work.
- Written exams and practical assessments combined.
- Synoptic assessment through Component 3.
- Practical skills underpinned by critical reflection and analysis:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level Drama and Theatre isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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