WJEC GCSE Drama specification (3690)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC GCSE Drama (3690) 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 specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE in Drama encourages learners to explore and express themselves through devising, performing, and interpreting theatre. It aims to develop students' creativity, communication, and collaboration by engaging with professional works and original drama. Through acting or design routes, learners analyse texts, refine ideas, and evaluate live performance. The course promotes a broad understanding of theatrical styles, practitioners, and genres, and includes the study of contrasting plays. It equips learners with analytical, practical, and reflective skills suitable for further study and the creative industries:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Devising Theatre
- Devise original drama using stimulus provided by WJEC
- Work may be influenced by a theatre practitioner or genre (e.g. Brecht, Berkoff, TIE, Physical Theatre)
- Perform or realise a design concept (lighting, sound, set, costume)
- Develop a portfolio of 750–900 words (or equivalent audio-visual/blog format)
- Performances: 5–16 minutes depending on group size; design must be fully realised
- Written evaluation (1hr 30min) under supervision, using notes (2 sides of A4)
Unit 2: Performing Theatre
- Perform two extracts from one professionally written and/or performed text
- Text must contrast with that studied in Unit 3 (playwright, period, theme)
- Choose acting or one design discipline (lighting, sound, set, costume)
- Performances: 5–14 minutes depending on group size
- Submit Artistic Intentions statement (~150 words); performance recorded for moderation
Unit 3: Interpreting Theatre
- Study one set text from a prescribed list (e.g. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Face, Tuesday)
- Analyse acting, design, direction, structure, and context
- Respond to a live theatre performance (recorded or in-person)
- Evaluate role of actor, designer, director, and audience impact
- Closed-book exam includes set text questions and live theatre review:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Devising Theatre
- Non-exam assessment
- 60 marks
- 40% of qualification
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Components: performance or design realisation, portfolio, and evaluation
Unit 2: Performing Theatre
- Non-exam assessment
- 60 marks
- 20% of qualification
- Assessed by a visiting examiner
- Based on two 10-minute extracts from a contrasting performance text
Unit 3: Interpreting Theatre
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 60 marks
- 40% of qualification
- Section A: analysis of set text from actor/designer/director perspective
- Section B: analysis/evaluation of live theatre seen (not same as set text)
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Create/develop ideas – 20%
- AO2: Apply theatrical skills – 30%
- AO3: Knowledge and understanding – 30%
- AO4: Analyse and evaluate – 20%:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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