Two new set texts for GCSE Drama
29 September 2025
For GCSE Drama (J316), we are replacing two set texts for Component 04: Performance and response.
The following set texts will be in place for first teach September 2026, with first assessment June 2028:
- Blue Remembered Hills by Dennis Potter
- Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman ad. Dominic Cooke/Sabrina Mahfouz
This means final GCSE assessment will take place in June 2027 for the following set texts:
- Misterman by Enda Walsh
- Gizmo by Alan Ayckbourn
At this point, we'll remove these texts from our approved list of teaching material.
To reflect this change, we are updating the specification and sample assessment material for GCSE Drama. We will provide links to these here, once available.
We are also producing new teacher resources and guides for the new set texts. Again, we'll let you know once these are available.
If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998, or email us at drama@ocr.org.uk.
Qualification