An introduction to the GCSE Drama
devising log: supporting students
in creating their written coursework log
GCSE
Mat Walters
GCSE – AQA
Introduction Mat Walters is Head of Drama and
Theatre Studies at Hereford Sixth Form
This scheme of work suggests a simple structure and plan for the devising written College. He is an Assistant Examiner for
unit, directly related to the creation of the piece itself, and focuses on an entirely the written units for AQA and has taught
written devising log. The maximum word count is 2500 with suggested sections of Drama at all levels for 18 years.
650 to 800 words each.
It covers:
f f The demands and suggested structure of each of the three sections
f f The process of linking research, development, rehearsal, realisation and
evaluation to the devising log
f f Example paragraphs for each section with key indicators highlighted that
follow this structure.
Scheme of work, part 1: Starting
points and planning the structure
The stimulus material is vital in creating the kind of devised work that will score
highly and lead to well-documented devising logs. I avoid issue-based stimuli and
choose material from a range of media. I use art-based stimuli to get my students
thinking about presenting their work in a more varied way (potential cross-
curricular work there!), and also to attempt to include a range of performance
styles. My students usually have:
a) A painting or art project – something without a definite narrative.
b) A short video clip – music videos are extremely useful. They inspire through
images and also make the students consider using sound effects/music.
c) Single words – ‘Expectations’, ‘Popularity’, ‘Isolation’, etc. These can prove
to be excellent starting points for more symbolic work in the early stages
of setting up the project. Creating a series of tableaux with music-based
transitions on single, challenging words is an excellent way to get students
away from naturalism.
d) Photographs that are open to several interpretations.
The Devising log is comprised of three sections, each marked out of 20:
f f Section 1: Response to a stimulus
f f Section 2: Development and collaboration
f f Section 3: Analysis and evaluation.
Each section relates to one part of the devising process, so it is sensible for the
students to be writing these as they rehearse. Essentially you are dealing with
research, development and rehearsal and evaluation of contribution to development of the
piece and the final performance.
It is vital that the log is created alongside the piece itself, so have rigid
deadlines for the log to be handed in. Build deadlines around the rehearsal
process, so the initial planning and research should take two weeks (4 or 5
lessons). Take in a first draft of Section 1 of the log, then comment and return.
The main rehearsal process should take approximately 6 weeks, so take a draft
in during week 4. This gives approximately two weeks at the end for polish and
refinement. Take a draft of Section 3 in after one week, comment and return. Then
make sure the log is handed in complete, with a polished front cover and all the
necessary information shortly after the final performance to allow the discussion
of audience feedback. Do not leave the whole thing until after the performance.
www.teaching-drama.co.uk Teaching Drama · Summer term 2 · 2017/18 1
devising log: supporting students
in creating their written coursework log
GCSE
Mat Walters
GCSE – AQA
Introduction Mat Walters is Head of Drama and
Theatre Studies at Hereford Sixth Form
This scheme of work suggests a simple structure and plan for the devising written College. He is an Assistant Examiner for
unit, directly related to the creation of the piece itself, and focuses on an entirely the written units for AQA and has taught
written devising log. The maximum word count is 2500 with suggested sections of Drama at all levels for 18 years.
650 to 800 words each.
It covers:
f f The demands and suggested structure of each of the three sections
f f The process of linking research, development, rehearsal, realisation and
evaluation to the devising log
f f Example paragraphs for each section with key indicators highlighted that
follow this structure.
Scheme of work, part 1: Starting
points and planning the structure
The stimulus material is vital in creating the kind of devised work that will score
highly and lead to well-documented devising logs. I avoid issue-based stimuli and
choose material from a range of media. I use art-based stimuli to get my students
thinking about presenting their work in a more varied way (potential cross-
curricular work there!), and also to attempt to include a range of performance
styles. My students usually have:
a) A painting or art project – something without a definite narrative.
b) A short video clip – music videos are extremely useful. They inspire through
images and also make the students consider using sound effects/music.
c) Single words – ‘Expectations’, ‘Popularity’, ‘Isolation’, etc. These can prove
to be excellent starting points for more symbolic work in the early stages
of setting up the project. Creating a series of tableaux with music-based
transitions on single, challenging words is an excellent way to get students
away from naturalism.
d) Photographs that are open to several interpretations.
The Devising log is comprised of three sections, each marked out of 20:
f f Section 1: Response to a stimulus
f f Section 2: Development and collaboration
f f Section 3: Analysis and evaluation.
Each section relates to one part of the devising process, so it is sensible for the
students to be writing these as they rehearse. Essentially you are dealing with
research, development and rehearsal and evaluation of contribution to development of the
piece and the final performance.
It is vital that the log is created alongside the piece itself, so have rigid
deadlines for the log to be handed in. Build deadlines around the rehearsal
process, so the initial planning and research should take two weeks (4 or 5
lessons). Take in a first draft of Section 1 of the log, then comment and return.
The main rehearsal process should take approximately 6 weeks, so take a draft
in during week 4. This gives approximately two weeks at the end for polish and
refinement. Take a draft of Section 3 in after one week, comment and return. Then
make sure the log is handed in complete, with a polished front cover and all the
necessary information shortly after the final performance to allow the discussion
of audience feedback. Do not leave the whole thing until after the performance.
www.teaching-drama.co.uk Teaching Drama · Summer term 2 · 2017/18 1
