WJEC Eduqas A Level Drama and Theatre specification (A690)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas A Level Drama and Theatre (A690) 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 WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas A level in Drama and Theatre offers a practical and engaging course designed to balance creative theatre making with theoretical understanding. Learners are encouraged to develop creativity, independence, and collaboration skills by participating as theatre makers and informed audience members. The course promotes an analytical approach to performance texts, fostering a deep appreciation of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of drama and theatre. It equips students with the skills to make informed artistic choices, understand performance theory, and critically evaluate both their work and the work of others. The specification also supports progression to higher education and careers in the creative industries:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Theatre Workshop
- Reinterpretation of an extract from a text using the techniques of a chosen theatre practitioner or company.
- Group work of 2–5 actors, with up to 4 designers per group.
- Development process includes research, creative development, reflection, and final performance or design.
- Creative log required, explaining idea development and connections to theory.
- Minimum performance durations based on group size.
- Designers must realise and present design work meeting specific requirements for lighting, sound, set, or costume.
Component 2: Text in Action
- Two pieces created from a WJEC-provided stimulus: a devised piece influenced by a different practitioner/company and an extract from a professionally produced text.
- Groups of 2–4 actors, plus up to 2 designers.
- Performances assessed live by a visiting examiner.
- Designers required to present their work and rationale.
- Post-performance process and evaluation report required, analysing theory-practice links and evaluating process and final outcomes.
- Stimuli and performance styles chosen to ensure contrast and breadth of skills.
- Specific practical design requirements for lighting, sound, set, or costume.
Component 3: Text in Performance
- Study of two complete texts (one pre-1956, one post-1956) and one extract from a third contrasting text.
- Written exam assessing interpretation, design, directorial skills, and evaluation of live theatre.
- Centres must confirm live theatre attendance by all candidates.
- Open book exam for Sections A and B; closed book for Section C.
- Structured questions assess interpretation, context, performance, and evaluation of live theatre seen.
- Assessment of knowledge, understanding, specialist terminology, and detailed text references:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Theatre Workshop (20%)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated.
- Focus on reinterpretation of a text extract using practitioner/company methods.
- Assessment includes performance/design realisation and a creative log.
- Marked on idea development (AO1) and realisation (AO2).
Component 2: Text in Action (40%)
- Externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
- Two performance pieces: one devised and one from a text in contrasting styles.
- Assessment based on creative process (AO1), realisation (AO2), and analysis/evaluation (AO4).
- Includes a post-performance process and evaluation report.
Component 3: Text in Performance (40%)
- 2 hours 30 minutes written examination.
- Three sections:
- Section A (40 marks): Structured questions on a post-1956 text.
- Section B (40 marks): Essay on a pre-1956 text.
- Section C (40 marks): Question on a set extract from a third text.
- Open book for Sections A & B; closed book for Section C.
- Marked on knowledge/understanding (AO3) and analysis/evaluation (AO4).
- Centres must confirm live theatre attendance.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (20%): Create and develop ideas with theory-practice connections.
- AO2 (30%): Apply theatrical skills in live performance.
- AO3 (30%): Demonstrate knowledge of drama and theatre development.
AO4 (20%): Analyse and evaluate own and others' work.
- All assessments must be completed at the end of the course.
- NEA components require careful authentication and recorded evidence.
- Marks may be adjusted after external moderation.
- Detailed marking grids provided for performing and design candidates:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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