GCSE Drama (8261) - Requirements for Recording and Submitting Performance Evidence - Version 2.3 - June 2026

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

Document outlines recording and submission requirements for GCSE Drama (8261) assessed performances. It specifies filming all assessed performances with a single camera in a supported digital format, capturing the entire unedited performance as one file per assessment. It covers component-specific rules for Devising Drama (8261/C) and Texts in Practice (8261/X), submission timelines, secure storage, and encryption/password protection where required. It also provides guidance on special considerations and practical filming steps before, during, and at the start of performances.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

General guidance

Camera setup and recording conditions

File handling and submission rules

Component 2 Devising drama (8261/C)

Component 3 Texts in practice (8261/X)

Special considerations

Before the performance

At the start of the performance

During the performance

Notes and guidance: Requirements for recording and submitting performance evidence GCSE Drama (8261) Introduction This document is for GCSE Drama (8261) . 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 2.3 June 2026 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 learners 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 Devising drama (8261/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. Final recorded assessment: all learners must perform, record, and submit a single final assessment, which is the only version that will be accepted and evaluated. Multiple recordings and/or re-recordings are not permitted, and previous drafts or alternative versions must not be submitted. Design learners are not required to perform, however they are still required to record and submit a single final assessment. Component 3: Texts in practice (8261/X) You must submit all recordings to AQA. We 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. In extenuating circumstances where the assessment doesn’t take place with a visit, learners must perform, record, and submit a single final assessment, which is the only version that will be accepted and evaluated. Multiple recordings and/or re-recordings are not permitted, and previous drafts or alternative versions must not be submitted. Design learners are not required to perform, however they are still required to record and submit a single final assessment. 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 learner is injured or unwell at the time of the final assessment. Please also refer to our policy on special considerations on the 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 learners 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 e.g. 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

FAQs

What are the general recording requirements for GCSE Drama (8261) assessed performances?

Film all assessed performances using a single camera and capture the entire performance in a supported digital file format. Do not edit recordings afterward, and each saved file must contain only one performance.

Can centres submit multiple recordings or re-records for the final assessment?

No. All learners must perform, record, and submit a single final assessment, and multiple recordings or re-recordings are not permitted. Previous drafts or alternative versions must not be submitted.

When do AQA need to receive the recordings for Component 3 (8261/X)?

AQA must be in receipt of the recordings within 10 working days of the performance or visit taking place. Files must be password protected before sending to the examiner.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys