Drama

What will I Learn?

• In S1 and S2, you have been exploring different aspects of Drama: now, in S3, you have the chance to really build your skills. 

• We work in groups to produce a variety of different genres and styles of performances to be performed to an audience. Working together as a team to produce drama, we consider all of the production skills , such as make-up and hair and lighting, as well as acting.

• We do lots of practical work but we will also begin to learn some of the key knowledge and understanding that we use to create drama.
  
  

What skills with I develop?

• As well as creative skills, studying Drama develops all sorts of transferable ones, too.

• Drama helps build confidence in things like public speaking and presentation; it involves self-discipline, resilience, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and develops empathy and understanding of others and the world around us.

• You’ll be working with others, and taking on leadership roles, too: developing the communication skills that will be vital whatever you choose to do.
  
  

What could be helpful?

• Enthusiasm! An interest in drama and the theatre and a desire to be involved in the department and make the most of the opportunities we provide. 

• Performance is a big part of what we do – it’s always in a very warm and supportive environment, but you need to be willing to take part and work with others to succeed in the subject.
  
  

Is there is an Exam?

• There are no formal assessment in S3.  But your teacher will provide feedback on key learning activities throughout the year.  This will give you a clear idea of how your are progressing.
  
  

What comes next?

• In S4, you will continue onto either National 4 or National 5 Drama.
  
  

Where can this take me?

• S3 Drama provides the foundation for the National 5, NPA and Higher courses you can take in the Senior Phase of school. Taking part in Drama gives you lots to talk about in your personal statement, too.

• Beyond school you may wish to continue your studies. Past students have gone on to study Drama at college and/or university, either as a stand-alone subject or as a part of their degree. Others have enrolled in Musical Theatre courses, in which Drama plays a key role.

• But what – and how – you learn in Drama is very relevant to a vast range of other jobs, as well. Whether Drama turns out to be what you do for a career or not, the skills you develop will stand you in good stead, whatever your future may hold.

What will I Learn?

• The final exam for National 5 is divided into two main sections: the performance (acting or production role) and the question paper. 

• In the first term you will work in groups to devise from stimuli and perform your own drama to an audience.

• After the October break you will then specialise in your chosen role, acting, lighting, sound, hair and makeup, props or costume. You will work from a script to carry out your chosen role. 

• Throughout the year you will be developing your knowledge and understanding of the key terminology.  

What skills with I develop?

• As well as creative skills, studying Drama develops all sorts of transferable ones, too.

• Drama helps build confidence in things like public speaking and presentation; it involves self-discipline, resilience, communication, critical thinking and analysis skills, problem-solving and develops empathy and understanding of others and the world around us.

• You’ll be working with others, and taking on leadership roles, too: developing the communication skills that will be vital whatever you choose to do. 

What could be helpful?

• Enthusiasm! An interest in drama and the theatre and a desire to be involved in the department and make the most of the opportunities we provide. 

• Performance is a big part of what we do – it’s always in a very warm and supportive environment, but you need to be willing to contribute, perform and work as part of a team to succeed in the subject.

Is there is an Exam?

• The performance, worth 60 marks, is assessed by a visiting examiner during term 2: the question paper, worth 40 marks, is sat during the main diet of written exams in April/May.

What comes next?

• In S5, you will continue onto either Higher or NPA Drama.

• Both are Level 6 courses: the NPA is internally assessed, while Higher is assessed by SQA.

Where can this take me?

• National 5 Drama provides the foundation for the Higher and NPA courses you can take in the Senior Phase of school. A qualification in Drama looks very appealing to universities and future employers as the breadth of transferable skills gained is unmatched.

• Beyond school you may wish to continue your studies. Past students have gone on to study Drama at college and/or university, either as a stand-alone subject or as a part of their degree. Others have enrolled in Musical Theatre courses, in which Drama plays a key role.

• But what – and how – you learn in Drama is very relevant to a vast range of other jobs, as well. Whether Drama turns out to be what you do for a career or not, the skills you develop will stand you in good stead, whatever your future may hold.

What will I Learn?

• The final exam for Higher, like National 5, is divided into two main sections: the performance, and the question paper. 

• You will study and explore one set text during the year as well as one live theatre performance. The final written paper includes two essays, one on each of these plays. As well as a question and answer section on the set text. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the historical, social and cultural influences on Drama.

• For the performance you will specialise in acting or design. In acting, you will research, rehearse and perform two extracts from two different plays, demonstrating your skills in textual analysis, characterisation, voice and movement. For design you will be expected to create a detailed folio and presentation of set design and one other production skill based on a play script. You will choose from sound, lighting, costume or props for your second design role. You will create one piece of costume or one fully functioning prop or lighting/sound design for the play.
  
  

What skills with I develop?

• As well as creative skills, studying Drama develops all sorts of transferable ones, too.

• Drama helps build confidence in public speaking and presentation; it involves self-discipline, resilience, communication, critical thinking and analysis skills, problem-solving and develops empathy and understanding of others and the world around us.

• You’ll be working with others as part of a team, and taking on leadership roles, too: developing the communication skills that will be vital whatever you choose to do.
  
  

What could be helpful?

• You should aim to have an A at N5 Drama to be successful in this course.

• N5 English A-B is important as you will need to apply your analysis skills to aspects of the Drama course.

• Enthusiasm for the subject, dedication and diligence!
  
  

Is there is an Exam?

• The performance, worth 60 marks, is assessed by a visiting examiner during term 2: the question paper, worth 50, is sat during the main diet of written exams in April/May.
  
  

What comes next?

• In S6 you can take Advanced Higher Drama or NPA in Professional Theatre Preparation as an alternative pathway.
  
  

Where can this take me?

• Higher Drama can lead to Advanced Higher Drama and the NPA course. A qualification in Drama looks very appealing to universities and future employers as the breadth of transferable skills gained is unmatched.

• Beyond school you may wish to continue your studies. Past students have gone on to study Drama at college and/or university, either as a stand-alone subject or as a part of their degree. Others have enrolled in Musical Theatre courses, in which Drama plays a key role.

• But what – and how – you learn in Drama is very relevant to a vast range of other jobs, as well. Whether Drama turns out to be what you do for a career or not, the skills you develop will stand you in good stead, whatever your future may hold.