WJEC Eduqas GCSE Drama specification (C690)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 Eduqas 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 Eduqas GCSE Drama (C690) 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 GCSE in Drama offers an exciting, practical and creative approach to exploring drama as a performance art. The course empowers learners to devise and perform original and scripted pieces, evaluate live theatre, and explore the roles of actor, designer and director. Through collaborative work, learners develop ideas using influential practitioners or genres, and deepen understanding of dramatic structure, performance conventions and theatre design. This broad, coherent course supports creative independence and provides a solid foundation for progression in performing arts, media or cultural studies, and beyond:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Devising Theatre
- Devise original theatre using one of four annual stimulus options (quote, song, picture, concept)
- Apply techniques from a practitioner or characteristics of a genre (e.g. Brecht, Physical Theatre)
- Choose acting or design specialism (lighting, sound, set, costume)
- Produce:
- Devised performance (5–16 mins depending on group size)
- Supporting portfolio (750–900 words or equivalent AV/blog)
- Written evaluation under supervision (1hr 30min)
- Designers must submit documentation (e.g. cue sheets, sketches)
Component 2: Performing from a Text
- Perform or design two key extracts (each ~10 mins) from one performance text
- Text must contrast with the one studied in Component 3
- Choose acting or one design skill
- Submit Artistic Intentions (150 words)
- Performance time: 5–14 mins depending on group size
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre
- Study one set text from:
- Macbeth, An Inspector Calls, Find Me, Noughts & Crosses, Refugee Boy, I Love You Mum, The IT
- Explore as actor, designer, director, using practical methods
- Analyse structure, style, context, character, staging, audience relationship
- Evaluate one live theatre performance seen as an audience member (cannot be the set text)
Theatre Roles and Techniques
- Understand responsibilities of actor, designer, and director
- Apply dramatic conventions, spatial arrangements, stage types (e.g. proscenium, traverse)
- Use terminology and theatrical elements in analysis (see drama glossary):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Devising Theatre
- Non-exam assessment
- 40% of qualification (60 marks)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Includes devised performance, portfolio, and evaluation
- Assesses AO1 (20%), AO2 (10%), AO4 (10%)
Component 2: Performing from a Text
- Non-exam assessment
- 20% of qualification (60 marks)
- Externally assessed by a visiting examiner
- Based on performance of two extracts from one play
- Assesses AO2 (20%)
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40% of qualification (60 marks)
- Section A: set text (45 marks)
- Section B: live theatre analysis (15 marks)
- Assesses AO3 (30%), AO4 (10%)
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Create/develop ideas – 20%
- AO2: Apply skills in performance – 30%
- AO3: Demonstrate knowledge – 30%
- AO4: Analyse/evaluate own and others’ work – 20%
Performance Times
- Duologues: min 3 mins
- Groups of 3–5: 7–16 mins
- Shortfall penalties: 1 mark per 30s below minimum (max 5 marks):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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