General FAQ - Can candidates work together across AS Level and A Level on practical components?

We understand the challenges that can arise when a candidate is unable to find a suitable non-assessed performer, particularly where there is only one candidate entered for a Drama component.

Please refer to the document ‘Additional guidance on the use of non-assessed performers in group pieces’. This guidance outlines the constraints and requirements that apply in these circumstances. In particular, it explains that the non-assessed performer should take a less prominent role wherever possible, while still enabling effective interaction with the assessed candidate. When assessing the work, teachers should focus solely on the contribution and achievement of the assessed candidate.

One of the key requirements is that the assessed candidate, rather than the non-assessed performer, should take the lead role in the performance. For this reason, we do not recommend using the same performance to meet the requirements of multiple candidates who want to be assessed on the piece. If the same performance is submitted for two different candidates across different examination series, it can be difficult to ensure that both candidates fully meet the assessment requirements, and there is a risk that one candidate may be disadvantaged.

If candidates wish to work together across AS Level and A Level, we would therefore recommend that they produce two separate pieces of work:

• A performance in which the AS Level candidate takes the lead role and meets the requirements of the A Level component (if they wish to submit this when they reach Y13).
• A separate A Level performance in which the A Level candidate takes the lead role and meets the requirements of the A Level component.

While we appreciate that this approach may place additional demands on candidates and centres, it is the most effective way to ensure that both candidates can be assessed fairly and appropriately.