OCR GCSE Drama specification (J316)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Drama 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 OCR GCSE Drama 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 OCR GCSE Drama (J316) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR GCSE (9–1) in Drama provides a practical, engaging and creative course that allows learners to understand drama as a live performance art. The qualification enables learners to explore performance texts and their contexts, create original devised work, and analyse live theatre. Students can specialise in performance or design (e.g. lighting, sound, set, costume). The course promotes independence, collaboration, imagination and reflective thinking. It supports progression into further study or careers in performing arts, while fostering transferable skills such as decision-making, problem-solving and communication:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
2b. Content of GCSE (9–1) in Drama (J316)
- Learners complete three components: devising, performing from text, and responding to drama
- Study of two contrasting performance texts (for different components) that vary in culture, style, genre, etc.
- Options to specialise in performance or design (lighting, sound, set, costume)
2c. Content of Devising drama (01/02)
- Respond to stimulus (e.g. music, article, painting, poem, etc.)
- Collaborative creation of original drama or design realisation
- Document process in a portfolio and evaluate outcome
- Design roles must meet minimum technical requirements (e.g. lighting = 6 cues, set = scale model and ground plan)
2c. Content of Presenting and performing texts (03)
- Perform or design two extracts from one centre-chosen text
- Minimum 10 minutes performance time per extract
- Submit a Concept Pro Forma explaining research and artistic intention
- Assessed on realisation of artistic intention and application of performance/design skills
2c. Content of Drama: Performance and response (04)
- Section A: Study one set text (e.g. Blood Brothers, Find Me) – explore social, historical, and cultural context, conventions, characterisation, design and acting
- Section B: Analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance
- Use drama-specific terminology and analyse how meaning is communicated
Assessment structure
Component 01/02: Devising drama
- 60 marks
- 30% of GCSE
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Portfolio (research, development, evaluation)
- Performance (4–15 mins; must be video recorded)
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO4
Component 03: Presenting and performing texts
- 60 marks
- 30% of GCSE
- Externally assessed by a visiting examiner
- Performance of two extracts from one text
- Submit Concept Pro Forma
- Minimum performance time: monologue (2 mins), duologue (3 mins), group (4 mins)
- Assesses AO1, AO2
Component 04: Drama: Performance and response
- Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- 40% of GCSE
- Section A: short answers on set text (AO3)
- Section B: extended response on live theatre (AO3, AO4)
- Closed book
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Create/develop ideas – 20%
- AO2: Apply theatrical skills – 30%
- AO3: Demonstrate knowledge/understanding – 30%
- AO4: Analyse and evaluate – 20%
Overall Qualification
- Total Qualification Time: 140 hours
- Single-tier entry (all students assessed on same criteria)
- Graded 9–1 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Drama 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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