Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE® Drama 0411

Syllabus
Cambridge IGCSE®
Drama 0411
For examination in June 2020 and 2021.
Version 1
Why choose Cambridge?
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Contents
1 Why choose this syllabus? ..................................................................................................... 2
2 Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................................4

Aims 4
Content overview 4
Assessment overview 5
Assessment objectives 6
3 Subject content ......................................................................................................................... 7
4 Details of the assessment ....................................................................................................10

Paper 1 – Written Examination 10
Component 2 – Coursework 11
Coursework: recordings, marking and moderation 13
Assessment criteria 16
Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms 19
5 What else you need to know ...............................................................................................27

Before you start 27
Making entries 28
After the exam 29
How students and teachers can use the grades 29
Grade descriptions 29
Changes to this syllabus for 2020 and 2021 30
Changes to this syllabus

For information about changes to this syllabus for 2020 and 2021, go to page 30.
The latest syllabus is version 1, published September 2017. There are no significant changes which affect
teaching.
Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2015 are still suitable for use with this
syllabus.
Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021.
1 Why choose this syllabus?
Key benefits
Cambridge IGCSE® syllabuses are created especially for international students. For over 25 years, we have worked
with schools and teachers worldwide to develop syllabuses that are suitable for different countries, different types
of schools and for learners with a wide range of abilities.
Through practical and theoretical study, the Cambridge IGCSE Drama syllabus encourages students to understand
and enjoy drama by:
•• developing their performance skills, both individually and in groups
•• understanding the role of actor, director and designer in creating a piece of theatre
•• considering ways in which ideas and feelings can be communicated to an audience
•• discovering the performance possibilities of plays and other dramatic stimuli
•• devising dramatic material of their own.
Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills
learners need for their next steps in education or employment.
Our approach encourages learners to be:
Cambridge
learner
‘The strength of Cambridge IGCSE qualifications is internationally recognised and has provided
an international pathway for our students to continue their studies around the world.’
Gary Tan, Head of Schools and CEO, Raffles International Group of Schools, Indonesia
2 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page

Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. Why choose this syllabus?
Recognition and progression

The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE Drama gives learners a solid foundation for further
study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses leading to
AS & A Level Drama.
Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of
academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and
Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and
skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to
the standard of GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications
are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide.
Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition
Supporting teachers
We provide a wide range of practical resources, detailed guidance, and innovative training and professional
development so that you can give your learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge IGCSE.
Teaching resources Exam preparation resources

• School Support Hub • Question papers
www.cambridgeinternational.org/support • Mark schemes
• Syllabus • Example candidate responses to understand
• Scheme of work what examiners are looking for at key grades
• Learner guide • Examiner reports to improve future teaching
• Discussion forum
• Resource list
• Endorsed textbooks and digital resources Support for
Cambridge
Training IGCSE Community
• Face-to-face workshops around the world You can find useful information, as well as
• Online self-study training share your ideas and experiences with other
teachers, on our social media channels and
• Online tutor-led training
community forums.
• Cambridge Professional Development
Find out more at
Qualifications
www.cambridgeinternational.org/social-media
‘Cambridge IGCSE is one of the most sought-after and recognised qualifications in the world. It
is very popular in Egypt because it provides the perfect preparation for success at advanced level
programmes.’
Mrs Omnia Kassabgy, Managing Director of British School in Egypt BSE
Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 3

2 Syllabus overview
Aims
The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.
The syllabus aims to:

•• develop candidates’ understanding of drama through practical and theoretical study
•• enable candidates to understand the role of actor, director and designer in creating a piece of theatre
•• develop candidates’ acting skills, both individually and in groups
•• enable candidates to develop their skills in devising original drama
•• help candidates communicate feelings and ideas to an audience
•• foster understanding of the performance process and enable candidates to evaluate the various stages of that
process
•• encourage enjoyment of drama.
Content overview
Through practical and theoretical study, learners develop an understanding and enjoyment of drama, developing
group and individual skills and studying ways to communicate ideas and feelings to an audience.
Candidates work with:

•• extended extracts from published plays
•• stimuli (short titles, poems, pictures, songs, historical events, stories) for devising dramatic pieces
•• their own choice of dramatic repertoire
•• dramatic material of their own devising
Learners develop their individual and group performance skills, the demonstration of which forms part of the final
assessment.
Support for Cambridge IGCSE Drama

Our School Support Hub www.cambridgeinternational.org/support provides Cambridge schools with a
secure site for downloading specimen and past question papers, mark schemes, grade thresholds and other
curriculum resources specific to this syllabus. The School Support Hub community offers teachers the
opportunity to connect with each other and to ask questions related to the syllabus.

Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. Syllabus overview
Assessment overview
All candidates take two components.
All candidates take: and:
Paper 1 2 hours 30 minutes Component 2

Written Examination 40% Coursework 60%
80 marks 120 marks
Candidates answer all questions in Section A Candidates submit:
and choose one question from Section B and
•• one individual performance based on an
one question from Section C.
extract from a play
Externally assessed.
•• one group performance based on an
extract from a play
•• one group performance based on an
original devised piece
Internally assessed and externally moderated.

Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. Syllabus overview
Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
AO1 Understanding repertoire
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the possibilities of
repertoire, and how to interpret and realise it in a live performance.
AO2 Devising
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to devise dramatic material and reflect on its effectiveness.
AO3 Acting skills
Candidates will be assessed on their acting skills and their ability to communicate effectively to an audience.
Weighting for assessment objectives

The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.
Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualification
Assessment objective Weighting in IGCSE %
AO1 Understanding repertoire 37
AO2 Devising 33
AO3 Acting skills 30
Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component
Assessment objective Weighting in components %
Paper 1 Component 2
AO1 Understanding repertoire 55 25
AO2 Devising 45 25
AO3 Acting skills 0 50

3 Subject content
Drama is by its nature a practical subject. Wherever possible, learners should pursue a fully integrated course which
allows them to develop their performance skills within the theoretical framework outlined below.
Practical work should develop both group and individual skills in relation to extended extracts from plays, other
stimuli and dramatic work of the candidates’ own devising.
Candidates should take an integrated approach to the creation and/or staging of drama and should consider not
just the function of actors but also that of designers, e.g. set, costume, lighting and sound, as well as the ways in
which a director might approach the interpretation of the piece within the given performance space.
It is assumed that learners will have studied English texts as part of their curriculum and may already be familiar
with a number of dramatic texts. In drama, however, the focus is on the staging of plays rather than the study of
texts, and stage plays should be approached in this spirit.
Basics of practical drama

Candidates should be able to:
•• understand key practical drama concepts such as: structure and plot; characterisation and role; dialogue;
physicality; pacing, contrast and dynamics; tension; spatial awareness and proxemics
•• understand the stylistic conventions associated with different genres, from the point of view of actor,
director or designer
•• demonstrate understanding of the ways choices made by actors, directors and designers can affect
performances and audience responses
•• understand dramatic terms and how to use them when writing about drama
•• understand and use appropriate technical terminology.
Working with dramatic texts

•• demonstrate skills in performing an extract from a play
•• understand techniques used to bring texts to the stage
•• identify the challenges in bringing words from the page alive on the stage
•• understand the relationship between spoken word, facial gesture and bodily posture
•• understand approaches to interpreting a play script
•• demonstrate the ability to write about bringing texts to the stage
•• analyse and reflect on the performance process and be able to write about it.

Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. Subject content
Working with other types of stimuli

•• demonstrate skills in creating performance from a dramatic stimulus
Examples of stimuli are as follows:
–– dramatic styles or genres:
○○ children’s drama
○○ comedy of manners
○○ commedia dell’Arte
○○ documentary theatre
○○ forum theatre (Boal)
–– issues:
○○ an issue of conscience
○○ a personal issue
○○ an environmental issue
–– other options:
○○ a piece of music
○○ a poem
○○ a sculpture
○○ a historical figure
•• critically analyse their performance and its effect on the audience
•• understand the rehearsal processes and be able to write about them.
Devise dramatic material

•• understand how original drama may be created
•• demonstrate understanding of how to structure an original dramatic piece
–– establish a clear dramatic intention
–– create a scenario and structure that will enable this to be realised
–– create credible characters
–– use dialogue, pacing and inflections of spoken English
–– explore the relationship between spoken word, facial gesture and bodily posture
–– use physical space effectively
–– take or give direction where appropriate
•• understand the devising process and be able to write about it.

Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. Subject content
Staging and design

•• understand key design areas:
–– costume
–– set
–– props
–– lighting
–– sound
–– effective use of available stage space
•• understand how design and staging can affect how an audience reacts to a performance.
Performance skills
•• demonstrate knowledge of a range of performance techniques
•• understand and be able to write about the performance process
•• demonstrate understanding of the role through realisation of the character
•• demonstrate understanding of vocal and physical techniques and use of space
•• understand the use of pacing, tension and emotional intensity in performance
•• build rapport with the audience through engaging performance
•• demonstrate individual/solo performance
•• demonstrate skills in group performance
•• critically analyse their own performance including their contribution to the group
•• justify artistic decisions and explore areas for improvement.

4 Details of the assessment
Paper 1 – Written Examination
2 hours 30 minutes, 80 marks

Externally assessed
The questions on this paper relate to the pre-release material which is sent to centres in the December preceding
the examination. The pre-release material can be sent only to centres who have provided estimated entry
information. See the Cambridge Handbook for full details.
The pre-release material consists of:

•• three stimuli such as short titles, poems, pictures, songs, historical events, stories, etc. Candidates should work
in groups of between two and six performers to devise and perform a piece of drama based on one of the
stimuli. The piece should last approximately 15 minutes. In the Written examination candidates will be required
to reflect on and evaluate aspects of their practical work.
Note: the stimuli on the pre-release material for Paper 1 may not be used as a basis for the devised group piece
on Component 2.
•• an extended extract (or an abridged version of an entire play) from one of a repertoire of plays from a variety of
genres, countries and periods. Candidates should study the extract to enable them to understand both the text
and the practical aspects of production. It is recommended that they perform it, at least informally. Candidates
will not be assessed on their performance of the play.
A clean copy of the pre-release material will be provided in the examination.
The question paper is structured as follows:

•• Section A (30 marks) Candidates answer 6–8 short-answer questions on the extract from the play (20 marks)
and 2–4 questions on the piece devised from their chosen stimulus (10 marks). Candidates must answer all
questions in this section.
•• Section B (25 marks) Candidates answer one longer-answer question from a choice of three on the extract
from the play.
•• Section C (25 marks) Candidates answer one longer-answer question from a choice of three on the drama
they have devised from their chosen stimulus.
Candidates are advised to divide their time equally between the three sections.
In all three sections of the question paper, the questions assume that candidates have performed both the extract
from the play and the piece they have devised based on their chosen stimulus. Candidates’ answers should show
practical and theoretical understanding of the pieces they have performed.
Questions will cover a variety of aspects of:

•• acting (e.g. interaction, pacing, physicality, proxemics, role, vocal expression*)
•• devising (e.g. characterisation, contrast, structure, tension*)
•• directing (e.g. advice to actors, directorial concept, mood, staging*)
•• design (costume and make-up, lighting, props, scenography, set, sound).
* These examples are not exhaustive and candidates should also be familiar with other dramatic features as
appropriate. A selective glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms is provided.

Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. Details of the assessment
Candidates should consider the following points in relation to the extract from the play and their chosen stimulus:
•• the use of suitable approaches to interpret the extract/stimulus
•• how meaning can be communicated to an audience
•• appropriate use of resources to facilitate effective performance
•• the reasons behind the choices they have made and how successful these choices were in performance.
Component 2 – Coursework
120 marks
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Each candidate submits a total of three pieces of practical work: one individual piece and two group pieces.
Candidates must have the opportunity to produce more than three pieces of practical work during the course so
that there is a choice of pieces to submit and their best work may be selected.
One individual piece:

•• one performance of an extract from a play*.
The individual piece must last between three and five minutes.
Two group pieces:

•• one performance of an extract from a play*
•• and one original devised piece**.
Each group piece must last no longer than 15 minutes and must allow each candidate broadly equal exposure. The
prescribed group size is between two and six candidates.
Candidates will be assessed individually on: their practical understanding of repertoire; their ability to devise and
reflect on performance material; their acting skills and ability to communicate effectively to an audience.
All work must be intended for live performance to an audience and staged in an appropriate performance space.
Whilst performances should be video recorded for moderation purposes, the pieces produced should not be
conceived for film or television performance.
Each candidate’s work must be marked according to the assessment criteria provided in this booklet.
Marks and supporting comments must be entered on the Individual Candidate Mark Sheet (0411/ICMS) which may
be downloaded from www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples. A sample of candidates’ work must then be
sent to Cambridge International for external moderation. See Coursework: recordings, marking and moderation for
details.
*Guidance on repertoire pieces

Repertoire should be taken from existing and already published plays for the stage, not TV drama, films,
novels or unpublished works. Plays should be chosen by the teacher according to available resources and
candidates’ abilities and interests.
Teachers are advised to select extracts from full-length stage plays, not mini-plays/monologues written
specifically for use in the classroom. This is to ensure that each candidate has the opportunity to
demonstrate understanding of the style of the drama and the context of his/her role in the play as a whole.

**Guidance on the group original devised piece

The group original devised piece must be based on a stimulus of the teacher’s choosing. Teachers may select
the same or a different stimulus for each group in the class depending on the abilities and interests of the
candidates. The stimulus used should be noted on each Individual Candidate Mark Sheet when submitting the
coursework to Cambridge International.
Note: the stimuli on the pre-release material for Paper 1 may not be used as a basis for the devised piece on
Component 2.
The following are examples of suitable stimuli:

•• a piece of music, a newspaper article, a picture/photograph, a poem, a sculpture
•• global, national or local issues, e.g. climate change, war and peace, poverty and inequality, culture and
identity
•• performance styles, e.g. children’s drama, comedy of manners, Commedia dell’Arte, documentary
theatre, forum theatre.
This list is not exhaustive and teachers are free to use any material which is appropriate to this level of
examination and which enables candidates to devise and perform to the best of their abilities.
Teacher involvement in the working process

Candidates should undertake coursework with the guidance and ongoing supervision of their teacher. The amount
of teacher guidance will vary depending on the kinds of work. During the assessment of coursework, teachers may
challenge candidates on their use of ideas and the crafting of the drama. They may also act as director for the group
performance of the piece of repertoire.
While the teacher selects a stimulus for each group, the devised piece must be the original work of the candidates
and they must decide on the subject matter, style, characterisation, structure and intention of the pieces. However,
they are not expected to work in isolation, and teachers may support, challenge, critique or direct as necessary
during the process.
Teachers must:
•• select appropriate repertoire and stimuli for candidates
•• set and/or negotiate coursework tasks
•• supervise the work throughout to monitor individual progress
•• ensure that the work is completed according to the requirements of the syllabus and that it can be assessed in
line with the assessment criteria and procedures.
Use of costume and set

Candidates are not assessed specifically on their use of costume and/or set design in Component 2, but they
are expected to understand the relationship between building a character and how this is expressed through the
clothes worn by that character. Candidates should take great care to ensure that what they wear does not conflict
with their overall dramatic intention or with the character they are seeking to portray, in style, period or fashion.
The same principle applies for set, furniture and props: these should not undermine, or detract from, the dramatic
intention of the piece

DVD recordings
Centres must record work throughout the course so that candidates’ best pieces may be chosen for the
coursework submission. The work submitted to Cambridge International for moderation should be recorded onto a
DVD in either MPEG (.mpg) or QuickTime movie (.mov) format.
Each DVD should have with it:

•• the completed Individual Candidate Mark Sheets for all candidates (0411/ICMS)
•• a DVD Cover Sheet (0411/DVD)
•• a Moderation Sample Cover Sheet (0411/CS)
Copies of these forms and the instructions for completing them may be downloaded from
www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples.
Coursework: recordings, marking and moderation
This section should be read in conjunction with the Cambridge Handbook.
Recordings
•• The centre must record onto DVD all of the coursework undertaken during the course in order to be able to
select each candidate’s best work for the final assessment.
•• DVD recordings will be accepted only in either MPEG (.mpg) or QuickTime movie (.mov) format. It is helpful if
DVDs are chaptered.
Number of DVDs:
•• If there is only one group for moderation purposes (i.e. six or fewer candidates), all the work for the centre
should be submitted on one DVD, clearly labelled.
•• If there are two or more groups, all the individual pieces should be put on one DVD and all the group pieces on
a separate DVD.
Identifying the candidates:

•• DVDs must be labelled with centre name and number and full candidate names and numbers. Please do not
attach sticky labels to DVDs as they can cause problems when inserted into a DVD player.
•• At the beginning of each task, the candidate must identify himself/herself clearly by stating his/her name and,
if known at the time of the recording, candidate number. It is essential that the Moderator can easily identify
the candidates dressed as they will appear in the piece.
Quality of recordings:
It is essential to produce clear recorded evidence. In particular:
•• cameras should be positioned level with the performance space and so that the whole action can be clearly
seen. Each candidate must be able to be easily identified by the external moderator
•• avoid zooming in and out as this can be distracting
•• extraneous noise and echo must be avoided and the sound track must be clearly audible
•• the recording should not be stopped and re-started once the performance has begun.
Work may be recorded at any time over the two-year course; the centre should re-run any recorded work that does
not meet these standards.

Marking
•• Coursework must be marked by the teacher using the assessment criteria provided in this booklet. If there is
more than one teacher involved with the internal assessments the marking must be standardised by the centre
(see below, ‘Internal moderation’).
•• For each candidate, an Individual Candidate Mark Sheet (0411/ICMS) must be completed, giving details of
the three pieces selected for the final assessment and the marks awarded for each piece. This form, and the
instructions for completing it, may be downloaded from www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples. The
database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0411) and your centre number, after which it will take you to
the correct forms. Follow the instructions when completing each form.
•• For each candidate and for each piece, a mark is awarded for AO1: Understanding repertoire or AO2: Devising,
depending on whether the work is an extract from a play or original devised material. A mark is always awarded
for AO3: Acting skills.
Using the Assessment criteria

As you watch the live performance of the work, make notes that clearly relate to the assessment criteria provided
in this booklet and then make a ‘best fit’ judgement as to which band to place it in. Very often you may see
qualities that fit more than one band, so always decide on the overall ‘best fit’. You can trade off the strengths and
weaknesses in the work against the criteria in the different bands (comments on these are therefore also helpful for
moderation purposes). Lastly, give a specific mark from your chosen band.
If all the criteria in a band fit your judgement, award the highest mark and check the band above, just in case. If
most of the criteria fit your judgement, award a mark nearer the bottom and check the band below, just in case.
The teacher’s comments on the Individual Candidate Mark Sheet need to be specific rather than general. They
should set out:
•• for repertoire: the name of the play and the playwright
•• for devised pieces: the stimulus used as a basis for the piece
•• the specific contribution of each candidate to the piece
•• the mark for each assessment objective, as appropriate.
The comments should be detailed enough to support the mark awarded.
Internal moderation
If more than one teacher in your centre is marking internal assessments, you must make arrangements to
moderate or standardise your teachers’ marking so that all candidates are assessed to a common standard.
Further information on the process of internal moderation can be found on the samples database at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples
The sample you submit to Cambridge International should include examples of the marking of each teacher. You
should record the internally moderated marks for each candidate on the Individual Candidate Mark Sheet and
submit these marks to Cambridge International according to the instructions set out in the Cambridge Handbook
and given below under Recording and submitting candidates’ marks and work.

External moderation
Cambridge International will externally moderate all internally assessed components.
•• You must submit the marks of all candidates to Cambridge International.
•• You must also submit the marked work of a sample of candidates to Cambridge International. The samples
database provides details of how the sample will be selected and how it should be submitted.
•• A Moderation Sample Cover Sheet and a DVD Cover Sheet must be completed and submitted with the sample.
The cover sheets, and the instructions for completing them, should be downloaded from the samples database.
The samples database can be accessed at www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples
External moderators will produce a short report for each centre with feedback on your application of the mark
scheme and administration of the assessment.
Recording and submitting candidates’ marks and work

For information, dates and methods of submission of the coursework marks and sample, please refer to the samples
database at www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples
Candidates’ marks for Component 2 must be recorded on the Individual Candidate Mark Sheet produced by
Cambridge International. The marks on this form must be identical to the marks you submit to Cambridge
International.
Centres must send the following to Cambridge International in one envelope together with the sample of work for
moderation:
•• a completed Individual Candidate Mark Sheet* (0411/ICMS) for all candidates, including those not in
the sample
•• a DVD Cover Sheet* (0411/DVD)
•• a signed printout of the candidates’ total marks as submitted to Cambridge International.
•• a completed Moderation Sample Cover Sheet* (0411/CS).
*Copies of these forms and the instructions for completing them should be downloaded each year from
www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples. The database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0411) and your
centre number, after which it will take you to the correct forms. Follow the instructions on the form itself when
completing each form.
If more than one teacher has assessed the Coursework, the sample should include examples of the marking of each
teacher.
Please keep at the centre:

•• one complete set of copies of the forms
•• all other recorded work until results are issued.
All records and supporting work should be kept until after the publication of results, and the recordings
of all other candidates’ work should be kept at the centre. Further samples of work may be requested by
Cambridge International.

Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria for AO1: Understanding repertoire

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the possibilities
of repertoire, and how to interpret and realise it in a live performance.
This assessment objective applies to the individual piece and the group performance of an extract from a play.
The assessment criteria cover three strands:
•• The ability to bring a character to life based on understanding of the role and its function in the play from
which it is taken.
•• The ability to interpret this role in a manner that demonstrates understanding of the style/genre of the play.
•• Understanding of the process of moving from page to stage and contribution to the working process in order to
craft and shape the performance.
•• The realisation of the character is informed by an in-depth understanding of the role and its
function in the play.
•• An accomplished interpretation of the piece based on a detailed understanding of the style/
Band 5 13–15 genre of the play.
•• A highly effective and perceptive understanding of the process of moving from page to
stage; always identifies when something is not working and is able to come up with wholly
workable solutions.
•• The realisation of the character is informed by a clear understanding of the role and its
•• An effective interpretation of the piece based on a good understanding of the style/genre of
Band 4 10–12 the play.
•• A constructive and sustained understanding of the process of moving from page to stage;
frequently identifies when something is not working and is able to come up with broadly
workable solutions.
•• A proficient realisation of the character informed by an understanding of the role and its
•• A believable interpretation of the piece based on an understanding of the style/genre of the
Band 3 7–9
play.
•• A competent understanding of the process of moving from page to stage; occasionally
identifies when something is not working and is sometimes able to come up with solutions.
•• A variable realisation of the character informed by a partial understanding of the role and its
•• An uneven interpretation of the piece based on a variable understanding of the style/genre
Band 2 4–6
of the play.
•• A patchy understanding of the process of moving from page to stage; seldom identifies
when something is not working and often needs guidance as to what to do.
•• An implausible realisation of the character informed by a limited understanding of the role
and its function in the play.
•• A one-dimensional interpretation of the piece based on a basic understanding of the style/
Band 1 1–3
genre of the play.
•• A limited understanding of the process of moving from page to stage; relies on others to
give guidance when things are not working.
0 •• No creditable response.

Assessment criteria for AO2: Devising

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to devise dramatic material and reflect on its effectiveness.
This assessment objective applies to the group devised piece. The assessment criteria cover three strands:
•• The quality of the individual role that the candidate has devised within the ensemble piece, and the ideas that
underpin it.
•• The integrity of the individual role and its contribution to the overall piece.
•• The ability to engage with the devising process in order to craft and shape the role.
•• A stylish and well-crafted role based on a range of well-formulated ideas.

Band 5 25–30 •• The role has considerable integrity and makes a powerful contribution throughout.
•• The role is the result of consistent, mature reflection and skilful shaping of the material.
•• An imaginative role that makes use of some well-developed ideas.
•• The role has integrity and makes a strong contribution throughout.
Band 4 19–24
•• The role is the result of considerable reflection and the ability to adapt and shape the
material.
•• A proficient role that demonstrates some shape and balance.
•• The role has some integrity and makes a good contribution.
Band 3 13–18
•• The role is the result of competent understanding of intention and style and a consistent
involvement in shaping the material.
•• A variable role that demonstrates occasional shape and balance.
•• The role neither helps nor hinders the piece and makes a functional contribution.
Band 2 7–12
•• The role is the result of limited understanding of intention and style and/or patchy
contribution to the working process.
•• A one-dimensional role, heavily reliant on cliché.
•• The role is peripheral with little sense of direction.
Band 1 1–6
•• The role is the result of basic understanding of intention and style and/or reluctant
involvement in the working process.

Assessment criteria for AO3: Acting skills

Candidates will be assessed on their acting skills and their ability to communicate effectively to an audience.
This assessment objective applies to all three pieces. The assessment criteria cover four strands:
•• The quality of the candidate’s vocal and physical technique and use of the performance space.
•• The ability to pace the performance and vary levels of emotional intensity.
•• The confidence and consistency of the performance.
•• The nature of the candidate’s rapport with the audience.
•• Extremely clear vocal articulation and confident projection; powerful physicality;

commanding use of the performance space.
•• Highly effective pacing; well-differentiated levels of emotional intensity.
Band 5 17–20
•• Performs with flair and sensitive stylistic understanding; the portrayal of the role is
consistent throughout.
•• Consistently engaging performance; excellent rapport with the audience.
•• Generally clear vocal articulation and good projection; strong physicality; assured use of the
performance space.
•• Effective pacing; noticeable variation of emotional intensity.
Band 4 13–16
•• Performs confidently and fluently with sound stylistic understanding; the portrayal of the
role is mostly consistent.
•• An engaging performance; good rapport with the audience.
•• Competent levels of vocal articulation and projection; good physicality; use of the
performance space mostly effective.
•• Reticent pacing; occasional variation of emotional intensity.
Band 3 9–12
•• Performs competently with stylistic understanding; the portrayal of the role has some
variability.
•• A fairly engaging performance; some rapport with the audience.
•• Variable levels of vocal articulation and projection; inconsistent physicality; restricted use of
the performance space.
•• Undifferentiated pacing; limited portrayal of the character’s emotional journey.
Band 2 5–8
•• Performs without hesitation or faltering; the portrayal of the role has some recognisable
elements.
•• A functional performance; little rapport with the audience.
•• Basic vocal skills; awkward physicality; use of the performance space impedes the
performance.
Band 1 1–4 •• A low level of energy; glimpses of the character’s emotions.
•• Delivers the lines with some fluency; the portrayal of the role is one-dimensional.
•• A faltering performance; hardly any rapport with the audience.

Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms

This glossary is provided for reference only and is not intended to be prescriptive.
Acting area That area within the performance space within which the actor may move in full view
of the audience. Also known as the playing area.
Acting style A particular manner of acting which reflects cultural and historical influences.
Action The movement or development of the plot or story in a play; the sense of forward
movement created by the sense of time and/or the physical and psychological
motivations of characters.
Analysis In responding to dramatic art, the process of examining how the elements of drama –
literary, technical, and performance – are used.
Antagonist The opponent or adversary of the hero or main character of a drama; one who
opposes and actively competes with another character in a play, most often with the
protagonist.
Apron The area between the front curtain and the edge of the stage.
Arena stage Type of stage without a frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium, in
which the audience surrounds the stage area. See also Theatre-in-the-round.
Articulation The clarity or distinction of speech.
Aside Lines spoken by an actor to the audience and not supposed to be overheard by other
characters on stage.
Back projection A method of projecting images onto a translucent screen from behind. Often used
for projected scenery or special effects. Because the projector is usually close to the
screen, special lenses are needed to ensure that the image seen by the audience is
large enough.
Backdrop A flat surface the width of the stage, hung upstage of the acting area, upon which
scenery is usually painted.
Backlight Light coming from upstage, behind scenery or actors, to sculpt and separate them
from the background.
Barn doors A rotatable attachment consisting of two or four metal flaps (hinged) which is fixed to
the front of a Fresnel spotlight to cut off the beam in a particular direction(s).
Battens Compartmentalised floodlights set up so as to allow colour mixing. See also
Groundrow. Low voltage battens are commonly used as light curtains and for colour
washes. Known in the US as a striplight.
Bifocal spot Profile lantern with two sets of shutters, one of which produces a hard edge, and one
a soft edge.
Black box A one-room theatre, without a proscenium arch; interior is painted black, including
walls, floor, and ceiling, and any drapes are also black.
Blackout A lighting cue where all stage lights go off simultaneously.
Blocking The path formed by the actor’s movement on stage, usually determined by the
director with assistance from the actor, and often written down in a script using
commonly accepted theatrical symbols. See also Staging.

Box set A set with three walls and a ceiling, leaving the fourth wall to be imagined by the
actors. The box set represents a real room with doors and windows that work.
Business A piece of unscripted or improvised action, often comic in intention, used to establish
a character, fill a pause in dialogue, or to establish a scene. An author may simply
suggest 'business' to indicate the need for some action at that point in the play.
Catharsis A theory advocated by Aristotle in his Poetics which attempts to describe the feeling
of release felt by the audience at the end of a tragedy; the audience experiences
catharsis, or is set free from the emotional hold of the action, after experiencing
strong emotions and sharing in the protagonist’s troubles.
Character A person portrayed in a drama, novel, or other artistic piece.
Characterisation How an actor uses body, voice, and thought to develop and portray a character.
Choreography The organised movement of actors and dancers to music in a play.
Chorus A group of performers who sing, dance, or recite in unison; in Greek drama, the chorus
was the group of performers who sang and danced between episodes, narrated off-
stage action, and commented on events.
Climax The point of greatest intensity in a series or progression of events in a play, often
forming the turning point of the plot and leading to some kind of resolution.
Cloth A piece of scenic canvas, painted or plain that is flown or fixed to hang in a vertical
position.
A backcloth (or backdrop) hangs at the rear of a scene.
A floorcloth is a painted canvas sheet placed on the stage floor to mark out the acting
area, or to achieve a particular effect.
A frontcloth hangs well downstage, often to hide a scene change taking place behind.
Colour filter A sheet of plastic usually composed of a coloured resin sandwiched between two clear
pieces. The coloured filter absorbs all the colours of light except the colour of the
filter itself, which it allows through. A colour filter is sometimes known as a ‘gel’, after
‘gelatine’, from which filters were originally made.
Colour mixing Combining the effects of two or more lighting gels.
Comedy A play that treats characters and situations in a humorous way. In Shakespeare’s time,
a comedy was any play with a happy ending that typically told the story of a likeable
character’s rise to fortune. In ancient Greece, comedies dealt almost exclusively with
contemporary figures and problems. Low comedy is physical rather than intellectual
comedy; high comedy is more sophisticated, emphasising verbal wit more than
physical action.
Comic relief A break in the tension of a tragedy provided by a comic character, a comic episode, or
even a comic line.
Concentration The actor’s focus, also called centering; focusing on the work at hand, being in
character, or being in the moment.
Conflict The internal or external struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests that
creates dramatic tension.
Contrast Dynamic use of opposites, such as movement/stillness, sound/silence, and light/
darkness.

Cross fade Bringing another lighting state up to completely replace the current lighting state.
Also applies to sound effects/music. Sometimes abbreviated to Xfade or XF.
Cyclorama A fabric drop hung from a curved or segmented batten, or a curved wall at the back of
the stage, upon which light can be cast to create effects (cyc for short).
Dénouement The moment in a drama when the essential plot point is unravelled or explained.
Development Progression of the plot or conflict in a play.
Dialogue Spoken conversation used by two or more characters to express thoughts, feelings,
and actions.
Downlight A light from directly above the acting area.
Dynamic The energetic range of, or variations within, physical movement or the difference
between levels of sound.
End on Traditional audience seating layout where the audience is looking at the stage from
the same direction. This seating layout is that of a proscenium arch theatre. See also
Theatre-in-the-round, Thrust, Traverse.
Ensemble The dynamic interaction and harmonious blending of the efforts of the many artists
involved in the dramatic activity of theatrical production.
Exposition The part of a play that introduces the theme, chief characters, and current
circumstances.
Farce An extreme form of comedy that depends on quick tempo and flawless timing and
is characterised by improbable events and far-fetched coincidences; from the French
meaning ‘to stuff’.
Flashback In a non-linear plot, to go back in time to a previous event; a flash forward would
move the action into the future.
Flat A wooden frame, usually covered with painted cloth, used to create walls or
separations on stage.
Flood To wash the stage with general lighting. The name given to a basic box-shaped lantern
with a simple reflector used to achieve this effect.
Focus In lighting, the adjustment of the size and shape of a stage light and/or the direction in
which it is aimed. In acting, the act of concentrating or staying in character.
Fourth wall The invisible wall of a set through which the audience sees the action of the play.
Fresnel spotlight Adjustable spotlight giving a diffused light, created by the construction of its lens of
‘concentric circles’. Used with Barn doors.
Genre A category of literary or dramatic composition; drama is a literary genre. Drama is
further divided into tragedy, comedy, farce, and melodrama, and these genres, in turn,
can be subdivided.
Gesture Any movement of the actor’s head, shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot to convey
meaning.
Groundrow Compartmentalised floodlights set up on the stage floor so as to allow colour mixing.
Commonly used to light curtains and for colour washes. See also Batten.
Hand props Properties such as tools, weapons, or luggage that are carried on stage by an individual
actor. See also Personal props, Props.

House lights The lights that illuminate the auditorium before and after the performance and during
intermission.
Imaging A technique which allows performers to slow down and focus individually on an issue.
The performers, sitting quietly with eyes closed, allow pictures to form in their minds.
These images may be motivated by bits of narration, music, sounds, smells, etc.
Improvisation The spontaneous use of movement and speech to create a character or object in a
particular situation; acting done without a script.
Inflection Change in pitch or loudness of the voice.
Interaction The action or relationship among two or more characters.
Irony An implied discrepancy between what is said and what is meant. There are several
forms of irony. Verbal irony is when a writer or speaker says one thing and means
something else (often the opposite of what is said). When the audience perceives
something that a character does not know, that is dramatic irony. Situational irony can
be described as a discrepancy between expected results and the actual results.
Isolation Control of isolated body parts; the ability to control or move one part of the body
independently of the rest.
Kinesthetic Resulting from the sensation of bodily position, presence, or movement.
Language In drama, the particular manner of verbal expression, the diction or style of writing, or
the speech or phrasing that suggests a class or profession or type of character.
Lantern The generic term for a stage spotlight.
Light set A term used to describe a situation where no physical set is used on stage. The ‘set’ is
created entirely by means of lighting.
Mannerism A peculiarity of speech or behaviour.
Melodrama A style of play, which originated in the 19th century, relying heavily on sensationalism
and sentimentality. Melodramas tend to feature action more than motivation, stock
characters, and a strict view of morality in which good triumphs over evil.
Mime Acting without words.
Mirroring Copying the movement and/or expression or look of someone else exactly.
Monologue A long speech made by one actor; a monologue may be delivered alone or in the
presence of others.
Mood The tone or feeling of the play, often engendered by the music, setting, or lighting.
Motivation The reason or reasons for a character’s behaviour; an incentive or inducement for
further action for a character.
Movement Stage blocking or the movements of the actors onstage during performance; also
refers to the action of the play as it moves from event to event.
Naturalism A style of drama that developed in the late 19th century as an attempt to represent
real life on stage faithfully and without artifice; the actions of characters tend to be
dominated by determinism (societal or environmental forces).
Pace Rate of movement or speed of action.
Parody A mocking or satirical imitation of a literary or dramatic work.

Performance Includes acting (e.g. character motivation and analysis, empathy), speaking (breath
elements control, vocal expression and inflection, projection, speaking style, diction), and non-
verbal expression (gestures, body alignment, facial expression, character blocking,
movement).
Personal props Small props that are usually carried in an actor’s costume, such as money or a pen.
See also Hand props, Props.
Pitch The particular level of a voice, instrument or tune.
Plot The events of a play or arrangement of action, as opposed to the theme. See also
Story line.
Plot development The organisation or building of the action in a play.
Posture Physical alignment of a performer’s body, or a physical stance taken by a performer
which conveys information about the character being played.
Profile lantern A focusable spotlight having an ellipsoidal lens which enables a sharp-edged beam of
light to be projected.
Prompt To give actors their lines as a reminder; the prompter is the one who assists actors in
remembering their lines.
Props Short for properties; any article, except costume or scenery, used as part of a dramatic
production; any moveable object that appears on stage during a performance. See
also Hand props, Personal props.
Proscenium A frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium. The proscenium opening
was of particular importance to the Realistic playwrights of the 19th century, such as
Ibsen and Shaw, for whom it was a picture frame or an imaginary fourth wall through
which the audience experienced the illusion of spying on characters.
Protagonist The main character or hero in a play or other literary work.
Proxemics Contemporary term for ‘spatial relationships’ referring to spatial signifiers of the
relationship between different performers or a performer and elements of the set
which convey information about character and circumstances. See also Spatial
relationships.
Realism An attempt in theatre to represent everyday life and people as they are or appear to
be through careful attention to detail in character motivation, costume, setting, and
dialogue. Plays from this period (from 1820 to 1920) seek the truth, find beauty in the
commonplace, and focus on the conditions of the working class. Henrik Ibsen is an
exemplar of the movement; he influenced others such as George Bernard Shaw and
Anton Chekov.
Resolution How the problem or conflict in a drama is solved or concluded.
Rhythm Measured flow of words or phrases in verse forming patterns of sound. Regularity in
time or space of an action, process or feature.
Ritual A prescribed form or ceremony; drama grew out of religious ritual.
Role The character portrayed by an actor in a drama.
Role playing Improvising movement and dialogue to put oneself in another’s place in a particular
situation, often to examine the person(s) and/or situation(s) being improvised.

Satire A play in which sarcasm, irony, and ridicule are used to expose or attack folly or
pretension in society.
Scene A small section or portion of a play.
Scenery The theatrical equipment, such as curtains, flats, backdrops, or platforms, used in a
dramatic production to communicate environment.
Scenography The art of creating performance environments using one or more components
including light, costume, set, space and sound.
Scrim A drop made of fabric that seems almost opaque when lit from the front but semi-
transparent when lit from behind.
Set The physical surroundings, visible to the audience, in which the action of the play
takes place.
Set designer The person who designs the physical surroundings in which the action of the play
takes place.
Setting When and where the action of a play takes place.
Sightlines Imaginary lines of sight that determine what areas of the stage are visible to the
audience from any given seat in the house.
Soliloquy A speech in which an actor, usually alone on stage, speaks the inner thoughts of his/
her character aloud.
Sound The effects an audience hears during a performance to communicate character,
context, or environment.
Sound design The three categories of sound design are:
•• Functional – e.g. practical sounds such as a gunshot to coincide with an action on
stage
•• Atmospheric – i.e. the possibility of using underscoring that may include music but
which may also be in the form of a soundscape
•• Incidental – where sound can be used to cover moments of transition (e.g.
between scenes or to cover the placing of stage props).
Sound effects Recorded – often abbreviated to FX. There are many sources for recorded sound
effects, from compact discs to downloading from the internet. May form an obvious
part of the action (train arriving at station) or may be in the background throughout a
scene (e.g. birds chirping).
Live – gunshots, door slams, and offstage voices (amongst many others) are most
effective when done live.
Sound elements Music, sound effects, actors’ voices.
Space A defined area.
Spatial relationships (or spatial awareness). Traditional term for what is currently referred to as proxemics,
referring to spatial signifiers of the relationship between different performers or a
performer and elements of the set which convey information about character and
circumstances.
Special effects Visual or sound effects used to enhance a theatrical performance.
Stage presence The level of comfort, commitment, and energy an actor appears to have on stage.

Staging Another term for blocking; deliberate choices about where the actors stand and how
they move on stage to communicate character relationships and plot and to create
interesting stage pictures.
Stock characters Characters who represent particular personality types or characteristics of human
behaviour. Stock characters are immediately recognisable and appear throughout the
history of theatre, beginning with Greek and Roman comedy and elaborated upon in
Commedia dell’Arte.
Story line The plot or plan of action.
Structure The arrangement of and relationship between the constituent parts of a whole as in
‘prologue, exposition, dénouement’ or scenes and acts within a play.
Stylisation The shaping of dramatic material, settings, or costumes in a deliberately non-realistic
manner.
Suspense A feeling of uncertainty as to the outcome, used to build interest and excitement on
the part of the audience.
Symbolism The use of symbolic language, imagery, or colour to evoke emotions or ideas.
Tableau A technique in creative drama in which actors create a frozen picture, as if the action
were paused; plural is tableaux. Not to be confused with freeze frame, which is a term
used in film and video production and which should not be used when discussing
drama.
Tempo Relative speed or rate of movement in pace over time, e.g. the speed at which the
music for a dance should be played. Can be applied to dramatic contexts such as in
‘tempo rhythm’.
Tension The atmosphere created by unresolved, disquieting, or inharmonious situations that
human beings feel compelled to address; the state of anxiety the audience feels
because of a threat to a character in a play.
Text The basis of dramatic activity and performance; a written script or an agreed-upon
structure and content for an improvisation.
Theatre games Improvisational exercises structured by the director or teacher to achieve a specific
objective, such as breaking down inhibitions or establishing trust.
Theatre-in-the-round An acting area or stage that may be viewed from all sides simultaneously. See also
End on, Thrust, Traverse.
Theme The basic idea of a play; the idea, point of view, or perception that binds together a
work of art.
Thrust A stage that extends into the audience area, with seats on three sides of a peninsula-
shaped acting space. See also End on, Theatre-in-the-round, Traverse.
Timbre The distinctive character or quality of a musical or vocal sound apart from its pitch or
intensity such as in a nasal voice quality.
Timing Includes setting cues for effects and lighting, synchronising two or more things that
must happen simultaneously, and establishing the pace at which lines will be delivered
or the play performed.
Transition Movement, passage or change from one act, scene, section, position, state, concept,
etc., to another

Traverse Form of staging where the audience is on either side of the acting area. See also End
on, Theatre-in-the-round, Thrust.
Turning point The climax or high point of a story, when events can go either way.
Upstage (verb) To deliberately draw the audience’s attention away from another actor or actors by
overacting, using flashy bits of business, or other means. The term originated from an
actor purposefully positioning himself upstage of the other actors so that they must
turn their backs on the audience to deliver their lines to him.
Vocal expression How an actor uses his or her voice to convey character.
Vocal projection Directing the voice out of the body to be heard clearly at a distance.
Voice The combination of vocal qualities an actor uses such as articulation, phrasing, and
pronunciation.
Wings Offstage areas to the right and left of the acting/onstage area.

5 What else you need to know
This section is an overview of other information you need to know about this syllabus. It will help to share the
administrative information with your exams officer so they know when you will need their support. Find more
information about our administrative processes at www.cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers
Before you start

Previous study
We do not expect learners starting this course to have previously studied Drama.
Guided learning hours

We design Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses based on learners having about 130 guided learning hours for each subject
during the course but this is for guidance only. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification
may vary according to local practice and their previous experience of the subject.
Availability and timetables

Both components for this syllabus are available in the June series.
Component 2 (Coursework) is also available in the November series. Candidates wanting to enter their coursework
in the November series must have already taken Paper 1 (Written examination) in the previous June series. Results
for the syllabus taken in this way will be issued only after the November series.
Candidates who take both Paper 1 and Component 2 in June may not enter the following November exam series.
You can view the timetable for your administrative zone at www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables
Private candidates cannot enter for this syllabus.
Combining with other syllabuses

Candidates can take this syllabus alongside other Cambridge International syllabuses in a single exam series. The
only exceptions are:
•• Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Drama (0994)
•• syllabuses with the same title at the same level.
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) and Cambridge O Level syllabuses are at the same level.
Group awards: Cambridge ICE

Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) is a group award for Cambridge IGCSE. It allows schools
to offer a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of learners who pass examinations in a
range of different subjects.
Learn more about Cambridge ICE at www.cambridgeinternational.org/cambridgeice

Cambridge IGCSE Drama 0411 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. What else you need to know
Making entries
Exams officers are responsible for submitting entries to Cambridge International. We encourage them to work
closely with you to make sure they enter the right number of candidates for the right combination of syllabus
components. Entry option codes and instructions for submitting entries are in the Cambridge Guide to Making
Entries. Your exams officer has a copy of this guide.
Exam administration
To keep our exams secure, we produce question papers for different areas of the world, known as ‘administrative
zones’. We allocate all Cambridge schools to one administrative zone determined by their location. Each zone has
a specific timetable. Some of our syllabuses offer candidates different assessment options. An entry option code
is used to identify the components the candidate will take relevant to the administrative zone and the available
assessment options.
Support for exams officers

We know how important exams officers are to the successful running of exams. We provide them with the support
they need to make your entries on time. Your exams officer will find this support, and guidance for all other phases
of the Cambridge Exams Cycle, at www.cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers
Estimated entries
You must make estimated entries for this syllabus. This will enable us to send your early question papers and pre-
release materials, and ensure you have the necessary materials to carry out assessments at the specified time.
Further information about making estimated entries can be found in the Cambridge Handbook for the relevant year.
Retakes
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want to. This is a linear qualification so
candidates cannot re-sit individual components.
Resubmitting coursework and carrying forward internally assessed marks

Information on resubmitting coursework and carrying forward internally assessed marks can be found in the
Cambridge Handbook.
Equality and inclusion

We have taken great care to avoid bias of any kind in the preparation of this syllabus and related assessment
materials. In compliance with the UK Equality Act (2010) we have designed this qualification to avoid any direct
and indirect discrimination.
The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities or learning
difficulties. We can put arrangements in place for these candidates to enable them to access the assessments and
receive recognition of their attainment. We do not agree access arrangements if they give candidates an unfair
advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who cannot access the assessment of any component may be able to receive an award based on the
parts of the assessment they have completed.
Information on access arrangements is in the Cambridge Handbook at

www.cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers

Language
This syllabus and the related assessment materials are available in English only.
After the exam

Grading and reporting
Grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, F or G indicate the standard a candidate achieved at Cambridge IGCSE.
A* is the highest and G is the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ means that the candidate’s performance did not meet the
standard required for grade G. ‘Ungraded’ is reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate. In
specific circumstances your candidates may see one of the following letters on their statement of results:
•• Q (result pending)
•• X (no result)
•• Y (to be issued)
These letters do not appear on the certificate.
How students and teachers can use the grades

Assessment at Cambridge IGCSE has two purposes.
•• To measure learning and achievement.
The assessment:
–– confirms achievement and performance in relation to the knowledge, understanding and skills specified in
the syllabus, to the levels described in the grade descriptions.
•• To show likely future success.
The outcomes:
–– help predict which students are well prepared for a particular course or career and/or which students are
more likely to be successful
–– help students choose the most suitable course or career.
Grade descriptions
Grade descriptions are provided to give an indication of the standards of achievement candidates awarded
particular grades are likely to show. Weakness in one aspect of the examination may be balanced by a better
performance in some other aspect.
Grade descriptions for Cambridge IGCSE Drama will be published after the first assessment of the IGCSE in 2020.
Find more information at www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse

Changes to this syllabus for 2020 and 2021

The syllabus has been updated. This is version 1, published September 2017.
The syllabus has been updated with our new name Cambridge Assessment International Education.
This document has a new design. Minor changes to the wording of some sections have been made to improve
clarity.
Changes to syllabus content •• To aid clarity and transparency we have added a Content Overview
and Subject Content section. The Subject Content is based on the
requirements of the assessment from the Description of Components and
the Scheme of Work.
•• The requirements have not changed.
Changes to assessment •• The assessment requirements, coursework criteria and the specimen
(including changes to papers remain the same.
specimen papers)
You are strongly advised to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.
Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2015 are still suitable for use
with this syllabus.

‘While studying Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Levels, students broaden their horizons
through a global perspective and develop a lasting passion for learning.’
Zhai Xiaoning, Deputy Principal, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China
Cambridge Assessment International Education

1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1223 553554 Fax: +44 (0)1223 553558
Email: info@cambridgeinternational.org www.cambridgeinternational.org
® IGCSE is a registered trademark.
Copyright © UCLES September 2017

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What is the purpose of the Cambridge IGCSE Drama syllabus?

What is the purpose of the Cambridge IGCSE Drama syllabus?

What are the assessment components for the Cambridge IGCSE Drama syllabus?

What are the assessment components for the Cambridge IGCSE Drama syllabus?

Syllabus

‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’

1 Why choose this syllabus? ..................................................................................................... 2

2 Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................................4

3 Subject content ......................................................................................................................... 7

4 Details of the assessment ....................................................................................................10

5 What else you need to know ...............................................................................................27

Changes to this syllabus

1 Why choose this syllabus?

Our approach encourages learners to be:

2 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page

Recognition and progression

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition

Teaching resources Exam preparation resources

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 3

The syllabus aims to:

Candidates work with:

Support for Cambridge IGCSE Drama

4 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page

All candidates take: and:

Paper 1 2 hours 30 minutes Component 2

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 5

AO3 Acting skills

Weighting for assessment objectives

Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualification

Assessment objective Weighting in IGCSE %

AO1 Understanding repertoire 37

AO3 Acting skills 30

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective Weighting in components %

AO1 Understanding repertoire 55 25

AO3 Acting skills 0 50

6 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page

Basics of practical drama

Working with dramatic texts

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 7

Working with other types of stimuli

Devise dramatic material

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Staging and design

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4 Details of the assessment

Paper 1 – Written Examination

2 hours 30 minutes, 80 marks

The pre-release material consists of:

A clean copy of the pre-release material will be provided in the examination.

The question paper is structured as follows:

Questions will cover a variety of aspects of:

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One individual piece:

Two group pieces:

*Guidance on repertoire pieces

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**Guidance on the group original devised piece

The following are examples of suitable stimuli: