GCSE Drama (8621) - Requirements for Recording and Submitting Performance Evidence - Version 2.0 - March 2024

Oct 20, 2026

Requirements for recording and submitting performance evidence for GCSE Drama (8621). The guidance covers using a supported digital file format, filming all assessed performances with a single fixed camera position when required, and avoiding post-recording editing so each file contains only one performance. It explains submission timelines, secure storage conditions, and password protection steps for relevant components, plus advice for special considerations and practical filming checks before, during, and at the start of the performance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

General guidance

Supported recording formats

Camera position and recording rules

File handling and editing

Component 2: Devising drama (8621/C)

Component 3: Texts in practice (8621/X)

Special considerations

Before the performance

Camera and audio testing

Stabilisation and focus checks

Lighting and visibility

Costumes and background contrast

At the start of the performance

During the performance

Staging requirements

Noise and recording practices

Design students

Recording close-ups without commentary

Video and audio for written evidence

Notes and guidance: Requirements for recording and submitting performance evidence Introduction This document is for GCSE Drama (8621) . 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 Devising drama (8621/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: Texts in practice (8621/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 in aline). They must

FAQs

What are the key rules for recording assessed performances for GCSE Drama (8621)?

Record all assessed performances using a single camera, in a supported digital file format, and do not edit the recording afterwards. Each saved file must contain only one performance.

How should recordings be handled before uploading or submitting to AQA?

Store recordings under secure conditions before uploading to Centre Services for moderation, and do not encrypt those files. For relevant components submitted to AQA, password protect the files before sending, and submit within 10 working days of the performance or visit.

What should happen at the start of each student’s filmed performance?

Advise audiences it is a formal examination. Each student must identify themselves at the start of the performance, filmed in the costume/make-up/hair they will use, stating their name, student number, chosen specialism, and character(s) where applicable, and must hold an A4 sheet with their name and student number clearly printed.

Oct 20, 2026

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