If candidates cannot complete the entire course content, you should apply for an exemption for the component you have not been able to teach. We recommend that candidates should only be exempted from component 1 as a last resort. In the first instance, you should try to exempt candidates from component 2, 3, 4 or 5. We do not recommend exemptions from component 1 because this assesses two out of the three genres covered by the whole syllabus. You may have to change your usual entry option to make sure this flexibility meets the needs of your teachers and candidates. You must be able to justify why you are applying for an exemption from any component.
There are no compulsory components but candidates must be assessed in at least 50% of the syllabus. Calculating an assessed mark using less than 50% of the assessment means candidates risk receiving a grade that does not reflect their capabilities.
Candidates cannot answer on just part of a component. For example, if they are sitting Component 1, Poetry and prose, they must answer on both the poetry and prose sections.
You can find the entry option codes that match the combination of components your candidates enter below and in the ‘Cambridge Guide to making entries’, available on Cambridge International Direct.
- A Components 1 and 2 – Poetry and prose, Drama
- B Components 1, 3 and 4 – Poetry and prose, Drama (open text), Unseen
- C Components 1, 3 and 5 – Poetry and prose, Drama (open text), Coursework
- D Components 1, 3 and 5 – Poetry and prose, Drama (open text), Coursework carried forward
Please see section 5.5.3 of the Cambridge Handbook for more information.