A-level Drama and Theatre (7262) - Requirements for Recording and Submitting Performance Evidence

Oct 20, 2026

AQA A-level Drama and Theatre (7262) recording guidance outlines how performance evidence must be captured and submitted for moderation and examination. It specifies single-camera recording, supported digital formats, and rules that the full performance be recorded without editing, with one performance per file. It details secure storage and centre submission timing, as well as password protection requirements for Component 3 recordings and advice for special considerations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

General guidance

Recording requirements

Supported formats and file handling

Component 2: Creating original drama (7262/C)

Component 3: Making theatre (7262/X)

Special considerations

Before the performance

At the start of the performance

During the performance

Design students

Notes and guidance: Requirements for recording and submitting performance evidence Introduction This document is for A-level Drama and Theatre (7262) . Please read this document carefully so you’ll be familiar with our requirements. If you have any questions, please contact us on 01483 556301 or email [drama@aqa.org.uk](drama@aqa.org.uk as)[ as](drama@aqa.org.uk as) soon as possible. Version 2.0 March 2024 General guidance You must film all assessed performances, capturing recordings in a supported digital file format. A full list of supported formats is provided later in this document. Recordings must be made with a single camera. For end-on staging, the camera must always be in a fixed position from an audience perspective from start to finish. For other types of staging, such as in-the-round, traverse and promenade, you must ensure the students are fully visible on camera at all times. The whole performance must be recorded, and the recording must not be edited subsequently. Each saved file should contain only one performance. Component 2: Creating original drama (7262/C) All recordings must be stored under secure conditions before uploading them on Centre Services – Centre marks submission for moderation. These files should not be encrypted. Component 3: Making theatre (7262/X) You must submit all recordings to AQA. AQA must be in receipt of the recordings within 10 working days of the performance/the visit taking place. The files must be password protected before sending these to your examiner. Further guidance on encryption can be found on our website. Please refer to the specification for full details of the assessment tasks and centre responsibilities for administering the tasks. Special considerations To ensure special considerations can be applied, it’ is advisable to record interim work (such as a dress rehearsal or recording of the complete performance, rather than general rehearsal footage) in case any student is injured or unwell at the time of the final assessment. Please also refer to AQA policy on special considerations on the AQA Special consideration web page. This recording is assessment material and used for moderation/examination or marking/marking reviews Before the performance During the rehearsal process, be aware of where students are moving/standing to ensure that, when the performance is filmed, the camera-view will not be blocked at any point. • Test the camera and any accessories, such as microphones, by recording a small piece of a rehearsal and playing it back. It’s really important that the microphone is positioned to best record the voices of the performers and any sound design within the performance. • Use a tripod to stabilise the camera and position it from an audience perspective, ensuring that the performance won’t be obscured eg by the back of people’s heads. The camera should not be handheld during the performances. • Ensure the camera doesn’t go automatically to auto-focus during the performance as this can cause blurring. Some lighting effects can cause this to happen, so make sure you’ve tested these on camera before the performance. • Ensure that all of the performance space can be seen without any further refocusing (see also below) . • Ensure the performance space is well lit. Check that the intensity of these lights doesn’t adversely affect the camera’s ability to focus. Ideally, performances will take place under stage lighting, but, where stage lights aren’t available, ensure that there’ is sufficient light to clearly see the performers’ faces , and any design elements. • Ensure that the costumes worn by the performers differentiate between them sufficiently and be aware that the performers must be easily seen against any background colouring. At the start of the performance • Audience members need to be advised this is a formal examination. • Each student must identify themselves at the start of the performance (with the cast

FAQs

What are the core rules for recording A-level Drama and Theatre (7262) assessed performances?

You must film all assessed performances using a supported digital file format. Record the whole performance with no subsequent editing, using a single camera, and save each file as containing only one performance.

How should the recordings be handled before uploading or sending to AQA?

Store recordings securely under centre control before uploading to Centre Services for moderation, and do not encrypt those files for Component 2. For Component 3, AQA must receive recordings within 10 working days, and files must be password protected before sending the examiner.

What guidance is given to ensure the camera view is not blocked and audio is captured well?

During rehearsal, monitor where students move or stand so the camera view will not be blocked. Test the camera and accessories by recording a short rehearsal segment and playing it back, and use a tripod positioned from an audience perspective with suitable lighting and stable focus.

Oct 20, 2026

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