Musical Theatre

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

Miss. H. Carroll, Music

Curriculum

The National Progression Award (NPA) in Musical Theatre is a dynamic and engaging course offered to young people in S5 and S6. It is designed to equip candidates with an introduction to the knowledge, understanding and skills required studies and/or potential employment within the performing arts industry. Pupils will be provided a broad experience of performing, planning and preparation for work in the performing arts, specifically Musical Theatre. Learners will be given the opportunity, through practice and self-reflection to develop technical and practical skills in Acting, Singing and Movement. 

 There are three Units that will be completed in a formative manner throughout the school year: 

  • Acting through Song  
  • Preparation for Audition  
  • Group Singing Skills  

 The qualification is awarded in a Pass/Fail format which is internally assessed and verified in line with SQA standards. There is no final exam in this course. 

Learning Experiences

Project-based learning, research and group work tasks are central to the learning that take place on the NPA Musical Theatre Course. Pupils will have an opportunity to: 

  • Discuss ideas 
  • View live theatre 
  • Analyse Musical Theatre performances 
  • Participate in workshops 
  • Perform extracts from well-known examples Musical Theatre to small audiences 
  • Evaluate themselves and others 

 

 

Pupils are assessed using a wide range of formative approaches. Summative assessment is ongoing allowing pupils to build up a range of evidence of their learning. This will include:  

  • Portfolios of work 
  • Rehearsal logs 
  • Performance plans 
  • Recordings of performances  

There is no end of year external exam for this course. Class work will be assessed and verified internally on a Pass/Fail basis. 

 

 

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 Musical Theatre will equip pupils with a range of wider skills that they 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 Musical Theatre may lead learners to pursue studies of and careers in: 

  • Musical Theatre 
  • Acting, Singing or Dance 
  • Design for theatre, television and film 
  • Media 
  • Arts Promotion 
  • Public Relations 
  • Primary, or Secondary Drama or Music Teaching

Resources

Revision resources and booklets can be found on each class Google Classroom. 

 

Explore different musical theatre performances: 

 

Learn more about the form of Musical Theatre using BBC Bitesize: 

 

Look out for local and national performances of musical theatre productions to build up your experience of the form: 

 

Use on-line Streaming platforms to view live recordings of stage musicals. You may wish to consider browsing to see what is available: 

  • Netflix 
  • Amazon Prime 
  • Disney Plus 
  • Apple TV