Performing Arts

At Oldmachar Academy, the Performing Arts faculty, encompassing Music, Music Technology, and Drama, plays a pivotal role in fostering creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. Our curriculum aligns with the principles of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and aims to provide students with a broad and engaging experience that nurtures artistic and technical skills, as well as transferable life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. 

By integrating practical performance, creative exploration, and technological innovation, our curriculum ensures that students develop a deep appreciation for the arts, as well as technical and analytical skills that prepare them for further study and future careers. Our approach is guided by the seven principles of curriculum design outlined by Education Scotland. 

1. Challenge and Enjoyment 

We provide students with stimulating and rewarding experiences that push their creative and technical abilities: 

• Music: Instrumental performance, composition, and critical listening to a range of musical styles 

• Early Presentation Higher: Pupils given the opportunity to sit Higher Music in S5 and Advanced Higher in S6 

• Music Technology: Hands-on experience with recording, mixing, and sound production techniques ● Drama: Devising, performing, and analysing theatre in diverse styles and genres. 

• Performance opportunities and real-world creative projects that promote resilience and self-confidence

2. Breadth 

Our curriculum ensures students experience a diverse range of artistic disciplines: 

• Music: Instrumental and vocal performance, music theory, composition, and analysis 

• Music Technology: Digital audio production, sound engineering, and the creative use of technology in music 

• Drama: Acting techniques, theatre production, scriptwriting, and stagecraft 

• Extra-curricular opportunities such as school productions, music ensembles, and drama clubs enrich students’ experiences 

3. Progression

The faculty offers a clear learning pathway from Broad General Education (BGE) through to Senior Phase: 

• In S1-S3, students explore foundational skills across Music, Music Technology, and Drama 

• In S3, students begin to specialise, choosing subjects that align with their interests. 

• In Senior Phase (S4-S6), qualifications are offered in: 

  • • Drama: National 4, National 5, Higher (acting, directing, and theatre studies) 

    • Music: National 4, National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher (focus on performance, composition, and analysis) 

    • Music Technology: National 5 and Higher (specialist study in sound production and recording) 

    • National Progression Awards: Music Performing and Music Technology Recording 

    • Clear links to higher education and industry pathways in performance, music production, and creative industries 

4. Depth

Students develop a deep understanding of their chosen discipline by engaging in practical application, research, and critical reflection: 

• Drama: Intensive exploration of acting techniques, theatre practitioners, and critical analysis of live performance 

• Music: In-depth study of musical styles, advanced instrumental/vocal skills, and composition techniques 

• Music Technology: Advanced technical skills in sound engineering, digital production, and creative audio design 

5. Personalisation and Choice

Students have opportunities to tailor their learning based on their strengths and interests: 

• Senior Phase options allow students to specialise in Music, Music Technology, or Drama 

• Personalised projects, such as composing original music, designing soundscapes, or directing performances 

• Flexibility in instrument choice, technological tools, and theatrical styles to support individual creativity 

6. Coherence

Our curriculum is structured to ensure a logical progression of skills and knowledge across subjects: 

• Interdisciplinary links between Music, Music Technology, and Drama (e.g., sound design for theatre) 

• Collaboration with English (script analysis), ICT (digital audio technology), and History (context of music and theatre traditions) 

• Seamless transition from BGE to Senior Phase, ensuring consistency in skill development 

Relevance

The Performing Arts faculty equips students with skills that are valuable in education, employment, and life beyond school: 

• Drama: Develops confidence, presentation skills, and creative problem-solving 

• Music: Fosters discipline, collaboration, and cultural appreciation

• Music Technology: Provides industry-relevant skills in sound recording, production, and digital media 

• Partnerships with local and national arts organisations, theatre companies, and recording studios enhance real-world learning 

School Leaver Profile Skills

Our curriculum also emphasizes the development of key school skills, ensuring that students become: 

• Ambitious Learners: Striving for excellence and setting high personal goals 

• Confident Contributors: Actively participating in school and community projects 

• Innovative Thinkers: Embracing creativity and problem-solving in all aspects of learning 

• Adaptable Individuals: Demonstrating flexibility and resilience in various situations 

• Considerate Citizens: Showing empathy, respect, and responsibility towards others