Drama develops pupils’ creativity and the ability to express themselves using characterisation skills including voice and movement, as well as technical skills when approaching theatre design. Transferrable skills such as communicating, researching and presenting information, reflecting, evaluating and using media and digital technology prepare pupils for both further education and the world of work.

National 4/5 Drama

Pupils complete the following two units:

Drama Skills: Pupils use their creative skills to devise and write their own pieces of theatre. They learn how to develop characters in a range of ways and develop understanding of form, structure and style.

Production Skills: Pupils explore a variety of design skills in Lighting, Sound, Set, Costume, Props and Make-up design. Pupils work with scripts to realise design ideas as well as perform extracts to an audience.

Higher Drama

Recommended Entry Requirements 

The Higher course builds on the skills developed in National 5 and covers the same two units in greater depth:

Drama Skills: Pupils create and present their own pieces as before but at higher have the responsibility of directing other class members. They explore characterisation at a much deeper level in preparation for performance. 

Production Skills: Pupils explore more complex design concepts and work with larger extracts of text.

Advanced Higher Drama

Recommended Entry Requirements

The Advanced Higher course looks at Devising and Presenting in detail and in conjunction with esteemed theatre practitioners. Pupils create and lead workshops inspired by a variety of theatre styles as well as analysing relevant theatre productions.

Assessment

National 4: Internally assessed practical unit covering either acting or a choice of design techniques.

National 5: Externally assessed practical exam worth 60%, written exam worth 40% of the final grade.

Higher: Externally assessed practical exam worth 60%, written exam worth 40% of the final grade.

Adv. Higher: Externally assessed practical worth 60%, project dissertation worth 40% of the final grade. 

Progression

Future career paths could include a wide range of opportunities within the creative industries and beyond such as; Actor/Actress, Stage Designer, Costume Designer, Director, Producer, Stage Manager, Drama Therapist, make-Up Artist, Youth Drama Worker, Primary & Secondary Teacher, Retail Management and Public Relations. Higher Drama is also a preferred additional Higher for the study of Medicine and Law at several universities.

NPA Acting and Performance

The National Progression Award (NPA) in Acting and Performance at SCQF level 6 will give you the opportunity to further develop your skills in the area of acting and performing as well as developing your knowledge and understanding of theatre.

There are two mandatory Units both at SCQF level 6:

Drama: Theatre Skills in Performance (2 credits)

Professional Theatre in Context (1 credit)

You need to successfully complete both Units to achieve the award.
This NPA is designed to develop your communication skills, interpersonal skills, self presentation, self evaluative analytical skills, ability to work independently, confidence, professional attitudes and skills as actors and performers.

There will be a balance of types of assessment – written assignments and projects, but with an emphasis on practical assignments which reflects the nature of the subject.

The NPA will give you a platform which will allow you to consider progression into further education. This could include progressing on to a National Certificate or HNC programme, or help you to be better equipped to work in the theatre industry.

There are no specific entry requirements for the National Progression Award in Acting and Performance. However, it would be beneficial if you had some previous experience of a drama/theatre course or Units.

NPA Musical Theatre

The National Progression Award (NPA) in Musical Theatre (SCQF level 6) offers you the opportunity to develop your skills in the areas of acting, music and dance, all in the context of musical theatre.

The NPA also provides the specific skills, knowledge and resources that may be called on when preparing for auditions for entry to musical theatre, drama or music courses and/or the theatre or performing arts profession.

There are no specific entry requirements but you should have performing skills broadly equivalent to SCQF level 4 to access this award. It would be beneficial if you had some previous experience of a either a drama, dance, music theatre Course or Units, either in a school/ college setting or, eg in youth or community arts performance.

You need to successfully complete three Units in order to achieve the NPA in Musical Theatre:
There is one mandatory Unit (at SCQF level 6):
Acting through Song
There are four optional Units from which you must choose two Units:
♦ Theatre Performers: Solo Singing Skills
♦ Theatre Performers: Group Singing Skills
♦ Group Dance Performance
♦ Preparation for Audition
This NPA in Musical Theatre will give you a platform which could allow you to progress into further education and on to a National Certificate or HNC programme or help you to be better equipped to work in the performing arts industry.