Consultation outcome

Changes to subject content for GCSE drama, and AS and A level drama and theatre

From:: Ofqual
Published: 9 February 2017
Last updated: 20 April 2017 — See all updates

Applies to England

Download the full outcome

Decisions on changes to our rules for GCSE drama, and AS and A level drama and theatre

Ref: Ofqual/17/6199

PDF, 135 KB, 3 pages

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Detail of outcome

We have decided to implement all of our proposed changes to our rules for GCSE drama, and AS and A level drama and theatre. These changes to our rules support the changes the Department for Education has already made to its subject content.

Our new rules will require awarding bodies to collect annual statements from schools and colleges offering GCSE drama, and AS and A level drama and theatre.

Specifications for courses that begin on or after 1 September 2017 will require students to experience live theatre, in line with the new subject content requirements. Exam boards will be required to collect ‘live performance statements’ for students taking their exams from summer 2019 onwards.

Feedback received

Analysis of responses to our consultation on changes to our rules for GCSE drama and AS and A level drama and theatre

PDF, 385 KB, 7 pages

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Detail of feedback received

We received 18 responses to our consultation – 15 from individuals and 3 from organisations.

Respondents who commented directly on our consultation proposals commented:

on the additional burden our proposals would impose on schools
to express support for our proposals
that it was unclear what schools should do if exceptional circumstances meant that some or all of their students were unable to attend performances
that they were concerned that the new requirements would prevent teachers and students from using streamed or recorded performances in the classroom, or could compromise students’ ability to answer exam questions

Original consultation

Consultation description

We are seeking your views on both the way we are proposing to change our rules to reflect the new subject content, and on the detailed drafting of those changes.

We would also welcome your views on our assessment of the likely impact of our proposals, including whether there are any additional impacts we have overlooked, and any steps we could take to mitigate such impacts.

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