AQA GCSE Drama 2025 Question Paper

Download the official AQA GCSE Drama (8261/W) Component 1: Understanding Drama question paper from the June 2025 exam series. This paper is 1 hour 45 minutes long and is worth 80 marks in total .

The exam is divided into three sections:
• Section A (4 marks): Multiple-choice questions on theatre roles, staging, and terminology
• Section B (44 marks): Set text questions based on plays such as The Crucible, Blood Brothers, Romeo and Juliet, and Noughts & Crosses
• Section C (32 marks): Live theatre evaluation, focusing on acting, set design, or costume design.
Students must answer all questions in Section A, one set text question in Section B, and one evaluation question in Section C. The paper assesses practical understanding of drama, including performance skills, design ideas, and analysis of theatrical techniques.

For example, Section A includes questions on staging types (e.g. thrust stage) and roles such as stage manager responsibility, while Section B requires detailed written responses analysing extracts from studied plays. Section C focuses on evaluating live theatre productions using technical vocabulary and structured analysis.

This question paper is essential for exam practice, revision, and understanding how AQA structures Drama exams. Use it alongside the official mark scheme to improve exam technique and achieve higher grades.

This document is ideal for GCSE Drama students preparing for AQA 8261 exams, especially Year 10–11 students and those targeting grades 6–9. It is also useful for retake students who want real exam practice.

Teachers and tutors can use this paper for mock exams, classroom practice, and assessment preparation. It is also helpful for home-schooled learners who need access to official AQA exam materials.

Students must answer all questions in Section A, one set text question in Section B, and one evaluation question in Section C. The paper assesses practical understanding of drama, including performance skills, design ideas, and analysis of theatrical techniques.

For example, Section A includes questions on staging types (e.g. thrust stage) and roles such as stage manager responsibility, while Section B requires detailed written responses analysing extracts from studied plays. Section C focuses on evaluating live theatre productions using technical vocabulary and structured analysis.

This question paper is essential for exam practice, revision, and understanding how AQA structures Drama exams. Use it alongside the official mark scheme to improve exam technique and achieve higher grades.