AQA GCSE DRAMA 8261/W
Component 1 Understanding Drama
Complete Question paper with Marking Scheme Attached
GCSE
DRAMA
Component 1 Understanding Drama
Thursday 8 May 2025 Morning Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 12-page answer book
• a copy of the set play you have studied. This play must not be annotated and must not contain
additional notes.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The reference for this
paper is 8261/ W.
• Answer all questions in Section A.
• Answer one question in Section B. Answer all parts to this question as instructed.
• Answer one question in Section C.
• You must answer on different plays for Section B and Section C.
• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
• The total number of marks available for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets.
• Section A carries 4 marks. Section B carries 44 marks. Section C carries 32 marks.
• All questions require answers in continuous prose. However, where appropriate, you could
support your answers with sketches and/or diagrams.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
IB/M/Jun25/G4003/E13 8261/W
, 2
Section A: Theatre roles and terminology
Answer all questions in this section.
For each question, you should write the question number and the letter that is next to the
correct answer in your answer book.
Only one answer per question is allowed.
Figure 1
0 1 What type of staging is shown in Figure 1?
A Promenade stage
B Thrust stage
C Traverse stage
[1 mark]
0 2 What is the stage positioning of the actor in Figure 1?
A Downstage centre
B Upstage centre
C Upstage left
[1 mark]
IB/M/Jun25/8261/W
, 3
0 3 Who has responsibility for health and safety on stage during a performance?
A The Director
B The Stage Manager
C The Theatre Manager
[1 mark]
0 4 Which of the following is correct when you are using a Proscenium Arch Stage?
A The audience face each other during the performance.
B The actors can only enter through the auditorium during the performance.
C The curtains can open and close during the performance.
[1 mark]
Turn over for Section B
Turn over ►
IB/M/Jun25/8261/W
, 4
There are no questions printed on this page
IB/M/Jun25/8261/W
Component 1 Understanding Drama
Complete Question paper with Marking Scheme Attached
GCSE
DRAMA
Component 1 Understanding Drama
Thursday 8 May 2025 Morning Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 12-page answer book
• a copy of the set play you have studied. This play must not be annotated and must not contain
additional notes.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The reference for this
paper is 8261/ W.
• Answer all questions in Section A.
• Answer one question in Section B. Answer all parts to this question as instructed.
• Answer one question in Section C.
• You must answer on different plays for Section B and Section C.
• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
• The total number of marks available for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets.
• Section A carries 4 marks. Section B carries 44 marks. Section C carries 32 marks.
• All questions require answers in continuous prose. However, where appropriate, you could
support your answers with sketches and/or diagrams.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
IB/M/Jun25/G4003/E13 8261/W
, 2
Section A: Theatre roles and terminology
Answer all questions in this section.
For each question, you should write the question number and the letter that is next to the
correct answer in your answer book.
Only one answer per question is allowed.
Figure 1
0 1 What type of staging is shown in Figure 1?
A Promenade stage
B Thrust stage
C Traverse stage
[1 mark]
0 2 What is the stage positioning of the actor in Figure 1?
A Downstage centre
B Upstage centre
C Upstage left
[1 mark]
IB/M/Jun25/8261/W
, 3
0 3 Who has responsibility for health and safety on stage during a performance?
A The Director
B The Stage Manager
C The Theatre Manager
[1 mark]
0 4 Which of the following is correct when you are using a Proscenium Arch Stage?
A The audience face each other during the performance.
B The actors can only enter through the auditorium during the performance.
C The curtains can open and close during the performance.
[1 mark]
Turn over for Section B
Turn over ►
IB/M/Jun25/8261/W
, 4
There are no questions printed on this page
IB/M/Jun25/8261/W
