Course Content

This course allows students to explore and develop complex drama skills to communicate thoughts and ideas to an audience. They will learn how to respond to scripts and stimuli to devise, direct and perform drama.

Students also practically explore a range of complex theatre production skills including; set, lighting, sound, costume, props, make-up and hair design. They will then apply these skills to a scripted or devised performance.

Finally, students spend a significant proportion of the course preparing for their practical performances and written essays.

Course Aims

This course enables students to:

•  generate and communicate thoughts and ideas when creating dramas.
• develop a knowledge and understanding of the historical, social and cultural influences on dramas.
• develop complex skills in presenting and analysing dramas.
• develop knowledge and understanding of complex production skills when presenting dramas.
• explore drama forms, genres, structures and styles.

As students develop practical skills in creating and presenting drama, they will also analyse and evaluate how their use of self-expression, language and movement can enhance ideas for performance. Furthermore, learners will develop critical thinking skills as they investigate their class texts and performances.

Assessment

Performance (60 % of the course)

The performance consists of two sections:

Section 1: Preparation for Performance (10 marks)

Students write about their preparation for performances. Marks are awarded for research into their chosen texts as well as the development and progression of an acting concept.

Section 2: Performance (50 marks)

The performance allows students to draw on, extend and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding they have developed during the course. The performance consists of students presenting of a textual extract from a full-length play.

Students will perform two extracts (from different plays) to a live audience in front of an external SQA examiner.

Written Paper (40% of the course)

The written paper consists of three sections:

Section 1 — Theatre Production: Text in Context (20 marks)

Students answer from the perspective of an actor, director or designer while writing about a play they have studied in class. Students will explain how the content and context of the play could be communicated to an audience through performance. Students gain credit for their ability to make use of appropriate quotations and/or textual references.

Section 2 — Theatre Production: Application (10 marks)

Students answer structured questions on their understanding and application of two production roles, while explaining how they might apply them to a play they have studied in class.

Section 3 — Performance Analysis (20 marks)

Students answer one extended-response question, from a choice of two, on a live performance they have witnessed.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the course and is issued on a regular basis to enhance and strnegthen work carried out in class. Homework may take the form of topical research, script reading, script writing, designing, evaluating, essay writing, and line learning.

Progression

Successful completion of this course may provide progression towards:

• Advanced Higher Drama
• Further study, employment and/or training.

Employability Skills 

Higher Drama is a thoroughly challenging course in which students exercise their imagination and creativity on a regular basis. While studying drama, students develop important skills in emotional intelligence, critical thinking, communication, presentation, collaboration, creativity and confidence. All of these skills are highly valued by employers.

This course challenges learners to express themselves in different ways. Learning through drama helps students to appreciate cultural values, identities and ideas. While working co-operatively in groups, students also learn how to negotiate with others sensitively.

Drama students often become more adaptable, mature and organised while working with others to produce creative content within set timescales.

Recommended Entry

The preferred level of entry to Higher Drama is a pass at A or B level in N5 Drama. Students without a pass or a pass at C level may be allocated a place at the discretion of the school. Consultation with a member of staff from the Drama Department is also recommended before enrolment.

Costs

Students undertake 2-3 theatre trips as part of their course. These may incur costs for tickets and transport, but financial support may be available if required.