Embedded Files
About
Drama is a subject which offers exploration of a wide range of topics from real life issues to fantasy, developing skills for learning life and work such as creativity, problem solving, confidence, emotional intelligence and co-operation. The course covers all aspects of theatre including devising, acting from a script, script writing, directing and technical theatre (Lighting, sound, costume, make-up and hair, props and set).
What will be different in S4?
There will be four lessons a week.
Drama Skills allows pupils to create their own play in a group from a stimulus of their choice, going on to write, direct, act and produce this for an appropriate audience.
Production Skills, focuses on one text to act in and another to take on a specific design role for. This is always an exciting and challenging unit where the pupils are allowed to be creative and dynamic.
The written exam involves evaluating yourself and others in a performance you have taken part in and creating a play on a stimulus provide, completing questions on how you would stage the performance. It is 40% of the overall grade.
You will do a practical exam in March acting or designing for a published play. This is 60% of the overall grade.
How will I know I am progressing?
You can confidently show a 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.
You will discuss with your teacher your achievements, next steps and targets.
Written Exam
The written exam is 60 marks worth 40% of the overall course grade. It is separated in to two sections. In Section 1 candidates are required to answer evaluative questions on a performance they have been part of either as an actor or a designer. In Section 2 candidates are expected to create a play from one of a choice of stimuli. They should then answer questions on the play they have created using knowledge of terminology and aspects of productioon of theatre.
Practical Exam
The practical exam is 60 marks worth 60% of the course; 50 marks assigned for their practical role as an actor or designer and 10 marks are assigned for a Preparation for Performance (PfP).
A Visiting Assessor will come to the school and watch all performances giving marks in discussion with the class teacher. These are usually performed in March.
Preparation for Performance
Preparation for Performance
The PfP is a 400 word justification for the choices the candidate has made whilst preparing for their performance role.
This allows the candidate to explain why they have made their choices to play a character in a particular way, make or produce their designs and allows them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the piece, whilst conveying their creativity.
They do this in class time and are given a mark by the class teacher which is then agreed by the SQA. This contributes to 10% of their final grade.
Acting
Acting
Actors are expected to fully rehearse and learn their lines for an extract of play text. This is done in groups of 2-6 depending on the extract the candidate has been cast in.
Casting is done as a discussion with pupils just before the winter break with the view to rehearse in the lead up to the performance in March.
This is 50 marks worth 50%
Design
Design
Designers can choose from any of the following roles; lights, sound, costume, make-up and hair, props and set.
All candidates are assigned a group to produce their role for. They research, create and design a folio, produce designs and then practically show their skills for the final performance.
This can include:
selecting, designing and operating the lighting or sound
designing, selecting materials and making props, costume or set.
designing and applying make-up and hair to actors whilst adhering to strict health and safety standards.
This is 50 marks worth 50%
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.
How can I take this course forward?
Higher and Advanced Higher Drama is offered in S5/S6
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.
Page updated
Report abuse