Higher Drama 

What will I learn?

There  are three main components in higher drama: Textual Analysis – this is based on a set play that pupils will study; Live Performance – pupils will see a live theatre analysis production or live recording and unpick designers’, actors’ and directors’ practice; Practical Performance – Pupils may work as actors, designers or directors in producing a piece of theatre.

We develop a knowledge of practical theatre but also the practical skills required in making and analysing theatre.

How will I learn?

Pupils will take part in workshops, rehearsals and theory based periods. Pupils active engagement is essential for success in workshops and rehearsals. Regular private study and research goes alongside theory based periods to allow pupils to develop their own attitudes and awareness of the wider theatrical world.

How will I be assessed?

There are two assessments for pupils:

  • Written paper (40%) – Theatre Production: Text in Context, Theatre Production: Application, Performance Analysis
  • Practical Exam (60%) – Acting, Directing or Designing

Career opportunities

Pupils can choose to opt for Advanced Higher Drama or may benefit from studying one of NPAs. Successful completion of this course has seen pupils accepted to various university and college courses. Pupils have attended The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Queen Margaret’s Edinburgh and Cumbria University to study Musical Theatre, Acting, Stage Technologies. Many pupils who have studied Higher Drama have gone on to work professionally in Theatre.

Drama is useful for careers in performing arts industry, Law, Education/Childcare, Marketing/Advertising, Public Relations/Human Resources among many others.

SQA Links

Please use the link below to visit the SQA Drama National Qualifications page, there you will find the full course specification, past papers and marking schemes and a variety of useful documents:

Higher Drama: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47894.html