Drama
Progression pathway
The diagram below shows the progression pathways in this subject area.
SCQF Level 3/4
Subject: Drama National 3/4 and SCQF units at Levels 3/4/5
Aims of the Course
The aim of the courses is to provide opportunities for learners to develop skills creating and presenting drama. These courses focus on the development and use of a range of drama skills and production skills to present drama.
Course Content
Drama Skills: The aim of this Unit is to provide learners with the skills and knowledge to create and present drama through the exploration and use of drama skills. Learners will respond to stimuli, generate ideas and use drama skills to portray character. Learners will explore the social and cultural influences on drama. They will learn how to reflect on their use of drama skills and the drama skills of others.
Production Skills: The general aim of this Unit is to provide learners with knowledge of production skills. They will use these skills to enhance drama when presenting. Learners will work with others in the following production areas: acting, lighting, sound, costume, props and make- up. They will learn how to reflect on their progress and that of other learners.
Performance Added Value Unit: The aim of this Unit is to enable the learner to provide evidence of added value for the National 4 Drama Course through the successful completion of a performance which will allow the learner to demonstrate application and challenge.
Course Assessment
Prepare for, participate in and reflect on a drama performance in a selected role. A formal evaluation will be carried out by the pupils which shows their ability to identify strengths and areas of improvement. Internally assessed and moderated by the SQA.
Prepare a portfolio and work through associated assignments. Internally assessed and moderated by the SQA.
National 3/4 only
Performance Added Value Unit: The aim of this Unit is to enable the learner to provide evidence of added value for the National 4 Drama Course through the successful completion of a performance which will allow the learner to demonstrate application and challenge.
SCQF Level 5
Subject: Drama National 5
Aims of the Course
National 5 Drama provides opportunities for learners to develop skills creating and presenting drama. This Course focuses on the development and use of a range of drama skills and production skills to present drama.
Course Content
Drama Skills: The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the skills and knowledge to create and present dram through the exploration and use of drama skills. Learners will respond to stimuli, generate ideas and use drama skills to portray character. Learners will explore the social and cultural influences on drama. They will learn how to reflect on their use of drama skills and the drama skills of others.
Production Skills: The general aim of this unit is to provide learners with knowledge of production skills. They will use these skills to enhance drama when presenting. Learners will work with others in the following production areas: acting, lighting, sound, costume, props and make-up. They will learn how to reflect on their progress and that of other learners.
Course Assessment
Prepare for, participate in and reflect on a drama performance in a selected role (externally assessed by SQA). A formal evaluation will be carried out by the pupils which show their ability to identify strengths and areas of improvement.
Question paper externally assessed by SQA.
Prepare a portfolio and work through associated assignments. Internally assessed and moderated by SQA.
General Comments
Students will also be required to complete the Performance Added Value Unit (National 4). Should a candidate fail to pass the external examinations at National 5 then on completion of the added value unit a National 4 course award will be awarded.
SCQF Level 6
Subject: Drama Higher
Recommended previous experience: National 5 course award in Drama (Grade A or B)
Aims of the Course
Higher drama provides opportunities for learners to develop skills creating and presenting drama. The course focuses on the development and use of complex skills and production skills to present drama. The course is practical and experiential.
The aims of the course are to enable learners to:
Generate and communicate thoughts and ideas when creating drama
Develop a knowledge and understanding of the complex social and cultural influences on drama
Develop complex skills in presenting drama
Develop knowledge and understanding of complex production skills when presenting drama
Explore form, structure, genre and style.
Course Content
Drama skills - Learners will respond to text, including stimuli, generate ideas and use complex drama skills to portray character. Learners will explore the social and cultural influences on drama. They will learn how to analyse and evaluate their use of drama skills and the drama skills of others.
Production Skills - Learners will work with others in the following production areas: acting and/or design and/or directing. They will learn how to evaluate their progress and that of other learners.
Course Assessment
The course also allows learners additional time for preparation for course assessment. The course assessment overs the added value of the course.
Component 1 – Question Paper
Component 2 – Performance
Total Marks
50 marks (40%)
60 marks (60%)
100 marks
General Comments
A requirement of the Higher course requires candidates to experience and evaluate live professional theatre. A minimum of two theatre trips will be scheduled throughout the academic year, which may be in the evening. Section 3 of the Question Paper requires candidates to analyse live theatre. It is therefore essential that candidates attend both of these theatre trips as a minimum throughout the academic year. Learners will also be expected to carry out rehearsals in their own time, particularly as they approach their drama Performance in March/April. Written homework is also an integral part of the course.