2299 DRAMA GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

Paper 2

AO1: Knowledge and Understanding

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding to explore,
generate and structure ideas in the realisation of drama.

This Assessment Objective assesses:

• knowledge and understanding of the role and its function in the play OR understanding of how to create a
dramatic role in an original piece of drama

• understanding of how to interpret a dramatic role OR understanding of how to devise a role that contributes to
the intended meaning of an original piece of drama

• understanding of the working process and the elements that contribute to its success
Band 5 • The realisation of the character is informed by a full and detailed understanding of the role
13–15 and its function in the play OR a stylish and well-crafted role based on a full and
detailed understanding of how to use dramatic materials.
• An accomplished interpretation of the piece based on a detailed understanding of the
intended meaning of the play OR an accomplished role that has complete integrity
and embraces the dramatic form of the devised piece.
• A highly effective and perceptive understanding of the working process; always identifies
when something is not working and is able to come up with wholly workable solutions.

Band 4 • The realisation of the character is informed by a clear understanding of the role and its
10–12 function in the play OR an imaginative role that demonstrates well-developed
understanding of how to use dramatic materials.
• An effective interpretation of the piece based on a good understanding of the intended
meaning of the play OR the role has integrity and makes a strong contribution throughout. •
A constructive and sustained understanding of the working process; frequently identifies
when something is not working and is able to come up with broadly workable solutions.

Band 3 • A proficient realisation of the character informed by an understanding of the role and its
7–9 function in the play OR a proficient role that demonstrates some shape and balance in its
use of dramatic materials.
• A believable interpretation of the piece based on an understanding of the intended meaning
of the play OR the role has some integrity and makes a good contribution.
• A competent understanding of the working process; occasionally identifies when something
is not working and is sometimes able to come up with solutions.

Band 2 • A variable realisation of the character informed by a partial understanding of the role and its
4–6 function in the play OR a variable role that demonstrates occasional shape and balance in
its use of dramatic materials.
• An uneven interpretation of the piece based on a variable understanding of the intended
meaning of the play OR the role neither helps nor hinders the piece and makes a
functional contribution.
• A patchy understanding of the working process; seldom identifies when something is not
working and often needs guidance as to what to do.

Band 1 • A one-dimensional interpretation of the piece based on a basic understanding of the intended
1–3 meaning of the play OR an implausible realisation of the character informed by a limited
understanding of the role and its function in the drama OR the role is peripheral with little
sense of direction and weak use of dramatic materials.
• A limited understanding of the working process; relies on others to give guidance when
things are not working.

0 • Work that does not meet the criteria for Band 1.

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 2299 DRAMA GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

AO2: Communication in Performance

Candidates will be assessed on their acting skills and their ability to communicate clearly and effectively to a live
audience.

This Assessment Objective assesses:

• ability to perform with an understanding of the chosen dramatic form and consistency •

rapport with the audience (and other performers, when performing in an ensemble) •

acting skills and technique

• pacing and emotional intensity

These skills will be assessed holistically for each performance.

Band 5 • Performs confidently and fluently with sound understanding of the chosen dramatic form; the
21–25 portrayal of the role is mostly consistent.
• An engaging performance; good rapport with the audience/other performers • Generally
clear vocal articulation and good projection; strong physicality; assured use of the
performance space.
• Effective pacing; noticeable variation of emotional intensity.

Band 4 • Performs competently with understanding of the chosen dramatic form; the portrayal of the
16–20 role may be variable.
• A fairly engaging performance; generally sustained rapport with the audience/other
performers. • Competent levels of vocal articulation and projection; good physicality; use of the
performance space mostly effective.
• Competent pacing; occasional variation of emotional intensity.

Band 3 • Performs adequately with some understanding of the chosen dramatic form; the portrayal of
11–15 the role is likely to be uneven.
• Some engaging moments in the performance; some variable rapport with the audience/other
performers
• Variable or uneven levels of vocal articulation and projection; some appropriate use of
physicality; occasionally effective use of the performance space.
• Reticent pacing; some variation of emotional intensity, not always appropriate to the character

Band 2 • Performs without hesitation or faltering; the portrayal of the role has some recognisable
6–10 elements.
• A functional performance; little rapport with the audience/other performers. • Variable levels
of vocal articulation and projection; inconsistent physicality; restricted use of the performance
space.
• Undifferentiated pacing; limited portrayal of the character’s emotional journey.

Band 1 • Delivers the lines with some fluency; the portrayal of the role is one-dimensional. • A faltering
1–5 performance; hardly any rapport with the audience/other performers. • Basic vocal skills;
awkward physicality; use of the performance space impedes the performance. • A low level of
energy; glimpses of the character’s emotions.

0 • Work that does not meet the criteria for Band 1.

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