Course Content
In N5 Drama, students learn to develop drama skills to communicate thoughts and ideas to an audience. Pupils will learn how to respond to scripts and stimuli so they can devise, direct, perform and evaluate theatre.
Students will also practically explore a range of theatre production skills including; set design, lighting, sound, costume, props, make-up and hair. They will then apply these skills to a devised or scripted performance.
Finally, students spend a significant proportion of the course preparing for their performance exam and written paper.
Course Aims
This course enables students to:
- generate and communicate thoughts and ideas when creating drama performances.
- develop their knowledge and understanding of the historical, social and cultural influences on drama.
- develop skills in presenting and analysing dramas.
- develop knowledge and understanding of 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 their use of self-expression, language and movement. Furthermore, learners will develop critical thinking skills as they investigate, develop and apply a range of drama and production skills.
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 performance. Marks are awarded for research into their chosen performance text, thoughts and ideas for their proposed performance and development of ideas into a final performance concept.
Section 2 – Performance (50 marks)
The performance allows students to draw on and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding they have developed during their course. The performance involves students presenting one textual extract from a full-length play.
Students will perform their extract to a live audience in front of an external SQA examiner and an internal assessor (their drama teacher). Depending on the number of actors involved in the scene, performance could last between 10 and 30 minutes in length.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the course and is issued on a regular basis to enhance and strengthen 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:
- Higher Drama for students who achieve a pass at National 5 level.
- National 5 Drama for students who achieve a pass at National 4 level.
Employability Skills
National 5 Drama is an enjoyable and challenging course. Students are expected to exercise their imagination and creativity on a regular basis. While studying drama, students develop other important skills such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, presentation skills, collaboration skills, communication skills and confidence. All of these skills are highly valued by employers.
This course challenges students to express themselves in different ways. Learning through drama helps students to appreciate cultural values, identities and ideas. While working collaboratively in groups, students also learn how to negotiate with others sensitively.
Finally, drama students often become more adaptable, mature and organised while working with others to produce creative content within set timescales.
Recommended Entry
The level at which you study National Drama will be based on your prior experience of drama. Prospective students should have:
- a strong, enthusiastic interest in drama
- a willingness to participate and engage with other people
- the confidence to experiment and share in a group setting
- the confidence to present in front of a class
- good organisation and time-management skills
Costs
Students undertake 2 or 3 theatre trips as part of their course. These may incur costs for tickets and transport, but financial support may be available if required.
