**GCSE Drama – The Devising Phases (Complete 1–5) AQA • OCR • Edexcel Aligned**

High-Performance Drama Studio Series
(Component 1: Devising Drama | AO1 · AO2 · AO4)

💡 Overview

The High-Performance Drama Studio Devising Series gives students a complete, structured pathway through the entire devising process, from stimulus to evaluation.

Each phase is an independent student-facing study guide and teacher resource, written in clear, exam-ready language with HPL (High Performance Learning) tasks, reflection grids, and evidence checklists.
Together, they ensure students not only create original work, but can explain and evaluate it to examiner standard.

Perfect for:

GCSE Drama Component 1 (AQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas)

KS4/KS5 devised theatre courses

Independent study, class projects, or portfolio support

“Devising is the art of turning curiosity into structure. These guides teach students to think like theatre-makers.”

🧩 Includes All 5 Devising Phases
Phase 1 – Stimulus & Exploration

AO1: Create and explore ideas
Respond imaginatively to a given image, line, or sound.
Develop early instincts into performable concepts using sensory writing, gesture, and physical exploration.
Includes mind-map templates, stimulus question grids, and portfolio sentence frames.

Cross-links:
→ Pairs with Performing Phase 1: Preparation & Discovery
→ Complements Written Phase 1: Understanding the Set Text

Phase 2 – Form & Style

AO1 / AO2: Developing ideas through form and practitioner influence
Transform raw ideas into theatrical style and structure.
Students test conventions (direct address, physical theatre, symbolic props) and apply practitioners (Brecht, Artaud, Stanislavski, Frantic Assembly).
Includes “Style Switch Experiment” and Style Statement Portfolio Frame.

Cross-links:
→ Pairs with Performing Phase 2: Vocal & Physical Technique
→ Aligns with Written Phase 2: Interpretation for Performance

Phase 3 – Development & Refinement

AO2: Structure, edit, and shape material for performance
Turn exploratory fragments into a coherent performance.
Includes 5-Beat Spine mapping, transition-building drills, motif score tables, 90-second cut tests, and audience-feedback templates.
Students learn to refine, structure, and justify decisions through evidence.

Cross-links:
→ Complements Performing Phase 3: Rehearsal Process & Refinement
→ Prepares for Written Phase 3: Analytical & Evaluative Writing

Phase 4 – Performance Realisation

AO2 / AO4: Presenting and perfecting performance
Teaches technical rehearsal discipline, ensemble timing, and audience focus.
Students integrate voice, movement, space, and design to produce an exam-ready performance.
Includes cue sheets, spatial maps, focus drills, and professional pre-show rituals.

Cross-links:
→ Directly connects to Performing Phase 4: Performance Realisation (Exam Readiness)
→ Links to Written Phase 4: Evaluating Live Theatre

Phase 5 – Evaluation & Reflection

AO3 / AO4: Analyse and evaluate process and performance
Guides students through reflective portfolio writing using PETER and AO4 evaluation grids.
Includes evidence cataloguing systems, audience-reception analysis, exemplar paragraphs (banded), and refinement proposals.

Cross-links:
→ Concludes both the Performing and Written/Reflective pathways
→ Integrates with Written Phase 5: Exam Practice & Reflective Mastery

🧠 Key Features

✅ AO1–AO4 integrated across all phases
✅ Practitioner-linked practical tasks
✅ HPL Challenge Labs for high-attainers
✅ Reflection grids and ready-to-copy portfolio prompts
✅ Evidence checklists for assessment and moderation
✅ Ideal for GCSE coursework or independent rehearsal journals