MATSEC AM Theatre and Performance

The written side tests contextual knowledge, close reading of play texts and evaluative writing about performance. The practical side tests your ability to act, devise, collaborate and present work, plus discuss your choices. Treat them as one skill set: the strongest candidates can explain on paper what they did in the room and why.

Expect a clear step up. Advanced level assumes independent reading, sustained rehearsal over weeks and the ability to analyse structure, genre and staging choices, not just describe a plot. Candidates who only memorise facts usually struggle with the evaluative and practical demands.

Retake and resit arrangements are set by the official awarding body and can change between sessions. Check the current MATSEC regulations and your school's examinations officer for the exact rules on component resits, carry-forward of marks and deadlines before you plan a repeat attempt.

Start with the set texts and historical periods, because they feed everything else. Run devising and rehearsal sessions in parallel rather than leaving them to the final weeks. Keep a dated reflective journal throughout, since it becomes evidence for coursework and viva preparation. Reserve the last month for timed essay practice and full runs.

Describing what happens instead of analysing how and why it works. Ignoring the specific wording of the question. Weak ensemble discipline in group pieces, where one dominant performer leaves others with nothing to do. Portfolios that record activity without reflection. In vivas, guessing rather than reasoning aloud from the production choices you actually made.

It helps considerably. Live or recorded productions give you concrete examples for evaluative writing and design discussion. If live trips are limited, use recorded productions and write detailed responses covering staging, design, acting choices and audience effect, so your analysis is grounded in observation rather than assumption.

The number of papers, their durations and the weighting of each component are published by the official body for each session. They are not fixed for all time, so confirm the current structure on the MATSEC website or with your subject teacher before planning revision around a particular format.

Evidence of process, not just product. Include early ideas, rejected options, rehearsal notes, design sketches and your reasoning for changes. Tie each entry to a specific moment or decision, and reflect on what you would do differently. Assessors reward honest, specific reflection far more than polished but vague presentation.

Rehearse explaining your artistic choices to someone who will push back. For each decision, know the alternative you rejected and why. Keep your portfolio open in front of you as a prompt. Speak in complete, structured answers and avoid defensiveness; examiners are testing reasoning, not agreement.

Advanced level qualifications are generally used for entry to higher education, but specific course requirements vary by institution and country. Check the entry profile of each university programme you are considering and confirm recognition directly with the admissions office rather than assuming equivalence.