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About
The Higher course provides opportunities in performance, production, writing and direction. The expectation is now to show more complex skills with more in-depth analysis and creativity for the selected texts they are studying. Pupils now develop their knowledge and understanding by exploring a variety of forms, genres and various practitioners which will influence their work. Pupils will be expected to show clear textual and performance analysis skills throughout the course and their final written exam.
What will be different in S5/6?
There will be four lessons a week.
A stronger emphasis on analysing live performance and we will visit the theatre to do this.
You will have two main acting pieces to work towards in your final exam or a design or directing role.
You will study text and practitioners analysing and developing understanding of performance and design concepts.
Practical Exam: 60%
The practical element of the course is worth 60%. All candidates are required to complete a 10 mark (worth 10%) Preparation for Performance, justifying the choices they have made in their role. The final 50 marks (worth 50%) can be achieved in one of the following roles.
Acting
Acting
All candidates wishing to act for their final exam will be required to act in two contrasting acting pieces. This allows the Visiting Assessor to see they can play a variety of characters.
Each acting extract is around 7-10 minutes long.
Each piece is marked out of 25 to give the overall total of 50 marks.
Directing
Directing
Directors are required to select a text to study, research and consider how thy will produce. Their final choices will be shown in a folio of work and demonstrated practically in a 30 minute rehearsal.
In this rehearsal they direct actors in an extract from their selected play in front of a Visiting Assessor.
All of this is marked out of 50 marks.
Designing
Designing
All design candidates are required to do a 30 minute presentation on the day of the exam.
They should select a text and explore how set design would be used to convey all elements of the chosen play.
They should then select one other role from the list below:
Props
Costume
Make-Up and Hair
Lights
Sound
They create designs and apply one of the roles in a practical demonstration on the day of the exam.
Written Exam: 40%
The written exam is made up of three parts worth 50 marks (worth 40%) and is to be completed in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Please see below how the written paper is broken up.
Section 1: Textual Analysis
Section 1: Textual Analysis
Pupils will study a text for the full year and write a 20 mark essay. This essay should convey their understanding of this text and the way they would produce the play as a director, designer or actor.
This year our candidates will be studying Angels in America: Millenium Approaches by Tony Kushner.
Section 2: Theatre Production Application
Section 2: Theatre Production Application
Candidates are asked to complete a series of questions worth 10 marks. These questions focus on the text explored in Section 1 but now focus specifically on the use of terminology in a particular role.
Section 3: Performance Analysis
Section 3: Performance Analysis
In this section all candidates are asked to analyse a performance they have seen this year. They write this analysis in a 20 mark essay commenting on the way choices on use of performance space, acting, directing and design had an impact on the audience.
How will I learn?
Pupils will be expected to work independently to research, plan and prepare for both written an practical elements of the course.
Pupils will be asked to work in groups to create presentations and performances. They may be asked to attend and organise extra rehearsals.
Pupils will work as a whole class to create resources and analyse their selected texts and performances for the written exam.
Pupils will be required to evaluate themselves and others in performances learning to offer constructive feedback.
How will I know I am progressing?
You can confidently show a fully developed character through your acting.
You can identify features of drama and can comment constructively on the work of others.
You can use design resources and technology to create, design and build for plays.
All candidates will receive verbal and formally written feedback on all work throughout the year from their teacher.
How can I take this course forward?
Advanced Higher Drama is offered in S6
If you are interested in doing a Bachelor of Arts at University please look to the links on the Advanced Higher page.
Other higher education courses are also available at SCQF Level 7. These are offered at NESCOL. Please have a look at the links below.
What are the possible career opportunities form this course?
Qualifications in Drama can lead to work in;
Acting
Directing
Teaching
Drama Therapy
Set Design
Lighting Design and Production
Sound Design and production Make-Up and Hair Design: - Wig Making, Special effects,
Costume Design
Fashion
Media Studies
Film and Television
Medicine and Psychology
Law
Dance and Events.
What will my home learning commitment be?
Pupils will be expected to complete a range of activities at home depending on the work in class.
This may include characterisation, learning lines, script-writing, research and prop, costume or set making.
However, there are always opportunities and support at break, lunchtime and after school to help with this. It is expected that pupils are able to attend pre-scheduled rehearsals with their groups which to develop storylines and characters thoroughly.
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