AQA GCSE Drama: Aiming for Grades 7-9

Course Code: T0365 £289.00

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This course is perfect for teachers who want to stretch and challenge their students to secure the highest grades in AQA GCSE Drama. It focuses on what sets apart top-performing students in each of the three specification components and how to support learners in reaching the top-grade boundaries. You’ll leave with a wealth of practical teaching strategies and approaches to push students from good to exceptional.  

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

  • Clarity on what the AQA exam board expects for top-level marks across all components
  • Approaches to ensure students can meet – and exceed – the criteria for Grades 7-9
  • The opportunity to examine top-grade exemplar work and unpack what makes it successful
  • Increased confidence in delivering high-impact lessons and guiding students to excellence

PROGRAMME

Achieving Grades 7–9 in AQA GCSE Drama: High-Level Performance Across the Course 10:00am
  • Identifying the skills and qualities of students working at Grades 7–9
  • Strategies to move students from mid-range to top-end performance
  • What high-attaining students need from you across the two-year course
  • Mapping a curriculum that builds towards Grades 7–9 success
  • Key takeaways from recent exam series, including written paper insights for high-flyers
Break 10.45am
Component 1: Unlocking Top Marks in the Written Exam 11:00am
  • Dynamic ways to teach the set text through practical approaches
  • Breaking down high-scoring answers for Section B: how top students think and write
  • Demystifying Section C – how to support students in crafting outstanding Live Theatre Evaluations
  • Making written tasks inclusive without lowering expectations
  • Essay structure and clarity – matching writing to examiner expectations
Component 2: Devising for the Highest Grades 12:15pm
  • What sets apart the strongest candidates in the devised performance component?
  • Building creative confidence: helping students take ownership of their work
  • Effective stimuli and rehearsal processes that lead to originality and impact
  • Supporting students in shaping and polishing their own ideas
  • Mastering the Working Notebook – clear guidance for hitting the top bands
  • Structuring and evidencing work for maximum credit
Lunch 1.00pm
Component 3: Elevating Scripted Performance to the Highest Level 2:00pm
  • Traits of a top-band performer in scripted work
  • What excellence looks like – interpreting the assessment criteria
  • Reviewing examples of outstanding performances and what made them stand out
  • Text choices that work - balancing challenge and accessibility
Break 3:00pm
Wrap-Up and Reflections 3:15pm
  • Drawing together the key traits of top-performing students across all components
  • Final tips for supporting students to be confident, independent, and outstanding
  • Q&A session 
Depart 3.30pm    
GCSE - Code: T0365

AQA GCSE Drama: Aiming for Grades 7-9

COURSE LEADER

Megan Cambridge trained at Rose Bruford Drama School and, after spending time as a professional actor, transitioned into teaching in 2011. She has gained a wealth of experience in state schools and has held a Subject Leader role since 2018, driving improvements in student performance across all ability levels and leading curriculum development.

Megan is also an experienced examiner for AQA, assessing both the GCSE written and practical examinations. Her experience in examining has deepened her understanding of assessment criteria and student success.

Alongside her leadership and examining roles, Megan is passionate about performing arts education. She owns and runs her own performing arts school, delivering weekend classes to inspire and develop young performers, sharing her passion and love for the arts beyond the classroom.

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Course Brochure