Edexcel GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

I believe that one powerful element of my set design was how it allowed the performers to use different levels. The moment when Jack looks down from a height onto Piggy lying on the floor is a good example of this. The set helped to emphasise the amount of control and power Jack has over Piggy. Also, the set combined with lighting in an engaging way for the audience… EVALUATING YOUR SET DESIGN What is evaluation? Evaluation is a skill that you will use in many of your GCSE subjects. It is the process of judging something’s quality, importance or value. In other words, you give your considered opinion on how ‘good’ or successful something is when you evaluate it. Evaluation is a valued skill because it requires reflection and reasoning. When do I evaluate? You will be reflecting on and assessing the success of your set throughout any designing process. In Component 1, the most crucial analysis comes after the production, when you evaluate the effectiveness of your contribution to the final performance. A strong ability to evaluate will contribute significant marks to the portfolio, which is a key part of the devising component. Evaluation is also an essential skill in Component 3, when you analyse and form critical judgements on the work of other theatre makers. How do I evaluate successfully? Evaluation becomes convincing when you build an argument to support your opinions. The way to do this involves giving clear examples. You should aim to use a range of vocabulary for the different evaluations you make because if you always say something is ‘effective’ it starts to lose its impact. TASK 1.12 Copy the following diagram, adding some adjectives of your own. Use it when writing about your set. You will be expected to choose a few details from your set and give reasons why you think they were effective in performance. This student has begun to do this as well as using some evaluative words like the ones above: ASSESSMENT CHECK Essential for AO4 is the ability to: ‘Analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others’ in the written exam as well as in your practical work. FOCUS Placing a value judgement on drama is key to Components 1 and 3. These pages will help you to develop the habit of reflecting on your work. LOOK HERE ‘Set Design for the Devised Piece’ from page 129, has more guidance on the devising process and evaluating as you go through it. See Chapter 7 for more examples of evaluation. Lord of the Flies by A Theatre Near U. Helpful words for evaluation Poor Successful Excellent Rushed Effective Engaging Powerful Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Set Design 30