DEVISING
DRAMA – YEAR
10
Creative performance skills for
secondary school students
Understanding Component 2
Demands of Component 240%
EXAM IN SUMMER 2026
Devised Theatre Creation
Students create and develop a devised performance from a given
stimulus, showcasing creativity and collaboration.
Analysis and Evaluation
Students analyse and evaluate their devising process and
performance to improve and reflect on their work.
Devising Log Documentation
Students produce a detailed log documenting reflections, decisions,
challenges, and performance evolution.
Why We Use
Stimuli in Drama
Stimuli Spark Creativity
Stimuli act as the initial spark that ignites creativity and exploration in
drama students.
Encouraging Interpretation
Stimuli encourage personal interpretation and meaningful
engagement with dramatic material.
Diverse Forms of Stimuli
Stimuli can include text, images, sound, or real-life events that shape
dramatic work.
Fostering Critical Thinking
Using stimuli challenges students to think critically and imaginatively
about drama performance.
Approaches to Devising
How to Devise
Drama
Exploring and Brainstorming
Begin by exploring the stimulus and brainstorming themes,
characters, and settings collaboratively.
Developing Story and Characters
Develop the storyline and characters focusing on meaning and
emotional expression in performance.
Rehearsing and Refining
Rehearse scenes to refine staging, experiment with performance,
and incorporate feedback effectively.
Reflection and Documentation
Reflect on devising choices and document progress in a Devising
Log for continuous improvement.
Working Effectively
in a Group
Clear Communication
Effective group work requires clear communication and active
listening among all members.
Shared Roles and Responsibilities
Assigning specific roles like director, writer, or performer helps
manage tasks and involvement.
Conflict Resolution and Support
Supporting each other and resolving conflicts positively fosters a
productive environment.
Enhancing Teamwork Skills
Effective group work builds interpersonal skills essential for drama
and other collaborative settings.
Stimulus 1 – News
Headline-
Exploration of Belief and Fear
The headline invites themes of belief, fear, and the unknown,
inspiring dramatic exploration of supernatural elements.
Character Reactions and Motivations
Students explore different character reactions and the motivations of
paranormal investigators within the narrative.
"Paranormal team
investigates ghost
in local bar"
Media Sensationalism Impact
Examines how media sensationalism affects public perception and
blurs truth and fiction in supernatural stories.
Familiar Yet Mysterious Setting
A local bar provides a familiar but mysterious backdrop, encouraging
creative staging and character development.
Stimulus 2 –
Poem
Themes for Exploration
The poem invites exploration of themes like peer pressure, identity,
and consequences of actions.
Character Interpretation
Georgie’s character can be seen as hero, villain, or misunderstood
figure, enabling diverse narratives.
Creative Performance
The poem’s rhythm and repetition inspire stylised movement and
choral speaking in performances.
Psychology and Society
Students are challenged to explore character psychology and
societal expectations creatively.
Stimulus 1:
Photograph
Emotional Themes
The photograph evokes emotions like isolation,
contemplation, danger, and resilience, enriching
dramatic interpretation.
Symbolism and Setting
The cliff edge and stormy sea symbolize turning
points, internal conflict, and external challenges
faced by characters.
Creative Interpretation
Students should explore backstory and translate
mood into performance using movement, dialogue,
and staging.
Stimulus 3 – Photograph
STIMULUS
DESCRIPTION
POSSIBLE THEMES
News Headline
Paranormal team investigates
ghost in local bar
Belief, fear, media influence
Poem
Georgie Porgie kissed the girls
and made them cry
Identity, peer pressure,
consequences
Photograph
Lone figure on cliff edge
Isolation, decision-making,
introspection
Devising Task
Group Performance
Challenge
Stimulus Exploration
Groups select a stimulus such as a news headline, poem, or
photograph to inspire their devised performance.
Creative Development
Students brainstorm characters, setting, and storyline to develop a
narrative reflecting the stimulus themes and emotions.
Collaboration and Documentation
Teams collaborate on performance creation and document their key
decisions, challenges, and reflections in a Devising Log.