National 5 Drama

Course Description

National 5 Drama develops the central concept of exploring relationships, themes and issues using both creative original drama and the interpretation of text. The course promotes theatre production skills with particular emphasis on acting and design skills.

The aims of the course are:

• to investigate relationships, social attitudes and issues; 

• to explore and use language, movement and theatre as a means of expression and communication; 

• to acquire a range of theatre production skills; 

• to develop devising and directing skills and contribute to a presentation; 

• to increase interest in and knowledge of theatrical performance

The course is divided into five units:

1. Drama Skills, 

2. Production Skills, 

3. Written Paper, 

4. Preparation for Performance 

5. Performance.

Through these activities, pupils will develop their voice and movement skills, explore and thoroughly research themes and issues in conjunction with performance concepts, in order to successfully devise and present pieces of work. These skills will be supplemented by knowledgeable analysis of their own work and of others.

All pupils will have the opportunity to specialise in Acting and/or Design Roles throughout the entire course.

Course Content

The course consists of five elements.

1. Drama Skills

The Drama Skills unit requires candidates to develop a piece of original work from scratch.  The piece will be developed through individual work and cooperatively with others.  Candidates will keep consistent rehearsal logs, charting their progress and development throughout the process.  The work produced in this unit can serve as material for preparation, revision and content for the final written exam.

2. Production Skills

The Production Skills unit requires candidates to adapt a piece of published work with a particular focus on the design elements of a production.  The piece will be developed through individual work and cooperatively with others.  Candidates will keep consistent rehearsal logs, charting their progress and development throughout the process.  The work produced in this unit can serve as material for preparation, revision and content for the final written exam.

3. Written Paper

The Written Paper requires candidates to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge of the subject. Candidates will evaluate the success of past productions, discussing both their own work and the work of others. In the second part of the written paper, candidates will create a piece of drama based on one of three unseen stimuli, which they will then describe and develop theoretically using appropriate technical language and terminology. The written paper is 1 1⁄2 hours long.

4. Preparation for Performance

The Preparation for Performance is a document generated during rehearsal for the Performance piece that details the candidate’s research and preparation for their role. It should include justification for choices that they have made and explain how these choices will be shown in their final performance.

Drama – National 5

5. Performance

The Performance requires the candidate to take on a practical performance role, whether as an actor or designer, and take part in a performance of a published theatrical text of no less than ten minutes. Actors will be expected to know lines, develop characterisation and sustain character throughout. Designers will be required to create and implement their chosen skill - such as hair and make-up,set, costume, or props - and document their design process in a design folio. They will also have to demonstrate their chosen practical skill as part of a larger performance. The Drama Performance is assessed internally, with external verification for 12 candidates. The performances will be in front of an audience composed of the rest of the class.

Assessment

At National 5, assessment consists of:

1. A final written exam in which pupils will be asked to respond to questions utilising accurate SQA Drama Terminology and justified reasoning. This is worth 40% of the overall final grade.

2. A live performance in front of an audience and to a Visiting and Centre Assessor between March to April. Specialising in either Acting or Design.  Performances will last approximately 10 minutes long. This is worth 50% of your overall grade.

3. A preparation for performance is a written document composed by pupils that supports their intentions and concepts for their final performance. This is worth 10% of their overall grade.

Progression

From National 4 to National 5 to Higher.