Actual 2026/2027 AQA GCSE DRAMA 8261/W Component 1 Merged Question Paper + Mark Scheme

Thursday 9 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.