Eduqas A-Level Drama and Theatre Text in Action (Component 2): a complete overview

Component 2: Text in Action is the largest practical component of Eduqas A-Level Drama and Theatre, worth 120 marks (40 per cent), externally assessed by a visiting examiner. From a WJEC stimulus you create and perform two contrasting pieces, a devised piece (different practitioner from Component 1) and a scripted extract from a professionally produced text, and submit a process and evaluation report. This overview ties the module together; each part has a matching dot-point page. Always confirm the current stimulus and text requirements with your centre and Eduqas.

The two pieces: contrast is the point

Component 2 has two performances, deliberately contrasting. The devised piece is original creation from the stimulus through a chosen practitioner's methods; the scripted extract is a faithful interpretation of a professionally produced text in a different style. The contrast between original and interpreted work, and between two styles, demonstrates range and stretches the performer or designer in different ways.

The devised piece

The devised piece grows from a WJEC stimulus. You interpret the stimulus into a clear idea and intention, generate original material through your chosen practitioner's working methods (a different practitioner from Component 1), and shape it by selection and structure into a coherent piece. The method must visibly drive the work, and the marks reward genuine development (ideas tried, kept, changed, with reasons), every choice tied to the audience effect.

The scripted extract

The second piece is a performance of an extract from a professionally commissioned or produced text, in a style that contrasts with the devised piece (and is not your own Component 3 set text). This is interpretation, not invention: decide the meaning and the effect you want, then realise that reading through specific vocal, physical, spatial or design choices, faithful to the script.

The process and evaluation report

The process and evaluation report is the written evidence submitted with the practical work. It documents how the devised piece was created and developed (decisions and reasons, theory connected to practice) and evaluates your own work and the work of others, with specific moments as evidence. It carries AO1 and AO4, and must read as evidence, not a rehearsal diary.

How Component 2 is assessed

A visiting examiner attends the centre and externally assesses the two live performances directly. The component carries three objectives:

• AO1 - create and develop the pieces, connecting the practitioner's theory to your practice (evidenced in the report).
• AO2 - apply skills to realise the two pieces in performance or design (the live work).
• AO4 - analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others (the report).

You may take the performer or designer route, applied to both pieces.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall and applied questions on Component 2. Attempt them, then check against the solutions.

1. State the marks, weighting and assessment method of Component 2. (3 marks)
2. Name the two pieces and the written element. (3 marks)
3. What must the devised piece be developed through, and what is the rule about it? (2 marks)
4. What kind of text must the scripted extract come from, and how should it relate to the devised piece? (2 marks)
5. Name the two jobs of the process and evaluation report. (2 marks)
6. Which assessment objectives does Component 2 carry? (3 marks)
7. Who assesses the live performances? (1 mark)