Aims and Philosophy
- Allow young people to express themselves in a positive, safe environment.
- Encourage learners to listen to and respect each other.
- Help learners to develop confidence, tolerance and self control.
- Enable learners to explore their creative ideas within a structured framework.
- Support in becoming confident and independent learners of the Theatre Arts.
- Prepare learners for SQA examination.
S1
All S1 pupils will have a block of 6 drama lessons. Creating a character through the use of voice, movement and language.
S2
Enrichment course – Performance Skills including script writing, 18 weekly lessons, for those who choose it.
S3
S3 is the culmination of the Broad General Education during which pupils continue to develop their skills and lay down firm foundations for learning leading towards National Qualifications in S4.
S4
Further information about National Qualifications in Drama can be found by following this link: Nationals in a nutshell
S5/6
Higher Drama
Higher Drama provides opportunities for students to develop skills in creating and presenting drama as well as analysing set texts. The Course focuses on the development and use of complex drama and production skills.
Students develop practical skills creating and presenting drama, they will also develop knowledge and understanding of cultural and social influences on drama.
Students will analyse and evaluate how the use of self-expression, language and movement can develop their ideas for drama. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they explore and develop complex drama and production skills.
Course Assessment
S3
A range of classroom assessments as appropriate.
S4
A range of classroom assessments and SQA National Qualification Unit Assessment as appropriate.
S5/6
Higher Drama course assessment will have three components:
- Textual Analysis – the analysis of a selected text. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of a text they have studied in terms of social, historical and theatrical context, and to show an understanding of how the text could be communicated to an audience through performance.
- Performance Analysis – an analysis of a live performance that the student has seen. Focussing on areas such as; genre and theme, the company performing the play, performance space, set design, the director’s intention, the acting, the development of character, audience reaction and overall impact.
(Please note that in order for the student to analyse a live performance, it is essential that they participate in an organised theatre visit).
- Performance – students will select a text to explore in depth from the perspective of an actor, director or designer.
- Actors must: prepare for performance two contrasting roles from two different text – interacting with at least one other actor.
- Directors must: conduct a rehearsal with actors using an extract from a chosen text lasting 30 minutes.
- Designers must: design a set for their chosen text and choose one other relevant production role (lighting, sound, costume etc.)