2026 AQA GCSE DRAMA 8261/W Component 1 Understanding Drama Question Paper & Mark scheme (Merged) June 2026 [VERIFIED] (Question paper and marking scheme combined) (QP & MS Combined) (92pages)

GCSE

DRAMA

Component 1 Understanding Drama

Monday 15 May 2026 Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes

Materials

For this paper you must have:

• an AQA 12-page answer book

• a copy of the set play you have studied. This play must not be annotated and must not contain

additional notes.

Instructions

• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.

• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The reference for this

paper is 8261/W.

• Answer all questions in Section A.

• Answer one question in Section B. Answer all parts to this question as instructed.

• Answer one question in Section C.

• You must answer on different plays for Section B and Section C.

• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.

Information

• The total number of marks available for this paper is 80.

• The marks for each question are shown in brackets.

• Section A carries 4 marks. Section B carries 44 marks. Section C carries 32 marks.

• All questions require answers in continuous prose. However, where appropriate, you could

support your answers with sketches and/or diagrams.

• You will be marked on your ability to:

– use good English

– organise information clearly

– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.