Drama

Introduction

In Drama learners explore the world we live in and the experiences of others, then consider how this can be captured and conveyed through a variety of performance mediums. This will include opportunities to create stories, research real life events, learn about theatre arts, analyse performances and develop acting skills.  

Through the teaching of Drama we aim to develop creativity, communication, problem solving and adaptability through collaborative group work and individual tasks. The Drama class provides a safe environment within which learners can develop their confidence, resilience and responsibility. Young people will also get the opportunity to develop presentation and performance skills that will be valuable to them in all aspects of their life and learning. 

Staff

Mrs. A. Bryce, Faculty Head, Drama

Mr. N. Collingham, Drama

Ms. L. Fenton, Principal Teacher (Pastoral Care), Drama

 

Curriculum

S1 Drama 

  • Introduction to Drama and Stagecraft 
  • Night at the Museum: Mime Skills 
  • “Frankenstein”: Scripted Drama Skills 
  • Evacuation: Characterisation Skills 
  • “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Introduction to Shakespeare 

S2 Drama 

  • Creating Drama 
  • Discovering Pantomime 
  • Race Across the World: Characterisation Skills 
  • “Macbeth” from Page to Stage: Performing and Designing for Shakespeare 

S3 & S4 Drama 

  • Overview of the Theatre 
  • Creating Theatre: Developing Drama Skills 
  • Production Skills: Developing Theatre Arts Skills 
  • Practical Skills: Staging a Production 

Higher Drama 

  • Study of a Text: Reading a play and generating ideas of performance 
  • Performance Analysis: Analysing the impact of creative decisions in a professional production 
  • Practical Skills: Developing performance or design skills for the theatre 

Advanced Higher Drama 

  • 20th and 21st Century Theatre and Practitioners 
  • Performance Analysis 
  • Practical Skills: Developing performance or design skills for the theatre 

Learning Experiences

Active learning and group work tasks are central to the experiences that take place in Drama. From S1 to S6 pupils in Drama will have an opportunity to: 

  • Discuss ideas 
  • Create dramatic stories 
  • Perform dramatic presentations to small audiences 
  • Make costumes, props and pieces of set 
  • Operate theatre technology, including lighting and sound equipment 
  • View live theatre 
  • Participate in workshops 
  • Written assignments 
  • Evaluate themselves and others 

 

 

Pupils are assessed using a variety of approaches and feedback is given in a range of different ways: 

  • Self and Peer assessment 
  • Teacher observation and next steps 
  • Jotter work  
  • End of block performances with written feedback 
  • Class presentations 

 

 

The learning and teaching that takes place in the classroom is enriched through a range of co-curricular experiences including: 

  • School Show Musical 
  • Drama Club (in the years when there is no School Show) 
  • Senior Drama Ensemble 
  • Theatre Trips 
  • Workshops from professional Arts organisations, including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The Tron Theatre 

Life and Work

The study of Drama is recognised to developing a range of wider skills that pupils will find valuable in all aspects of learning, life and work. These include: 

  • Communication, group and interpersonal skills 
  • Presentation skills 
  • Understanding and interpreting body language and non-verbal signs 
  • Confidence 
  • Resilience 
  • Creativity and innovation 
  • Problem-solving 
  • Decision-making 
  • Time Management 

 

 

The subject specific skills and knowledge of Drama often lead learners to pursue studies of and careers in: 

  • Acting and Performing 
  • Design for theatre, television and film 
  • Media and the Arts 
  • Public Relations 
  • Law  
  • Politics and Local Government 
  • Social Work 
  • People centred care including Medicine, Nursing and Dentistry 
  • Primary or Drama Teaching  

Resources

Use the links below for further information about using Drama as a pathway into the studying and working in the Performing Arts industry: