General Information
Drama Education enables students to develop their understanding of the world, relationships, culture and society. It is a mirror for real life. In Drama, students work collaboratively with others, explore moral and ethical issues and use their skills to communicate with an audience. Through Drama, students learn to become confident individuals, successful learners, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
The Department
The Drama department comprises three specialist teachers within the Expressive Arts Faculty. We offer a wide range of opportunities for performance and activities.
A wide range of SQA National Qualification courses are on offer in Drama including:
- National 3 – 5 Drama
- Higher Drama
- Advanced Higher Drama
- Creative Industries Skills for Work Level 5 & 6 (in partnership with Edinburgh College)
- Expressive Arts Baccalaureate and Interdisciplinary Project
The Drama department promotes wider individual achievement as well as academic success.
Curriculum for Excellence
Teachers work together to continuously improve programmes of study in Drama which promote active learning, develop creativity and promote literacy, and ICT across learning in the subject.
School Facilities
Broughton High Drama Department benefits from outstanding facilities and resources, including a fully equipped Drama Studio for learning and performances and a fully equipped Drama classroom. Both Drama rooms are equipped with full lighting and sound facilities. In addition, the department also houses a set and props store and a costume wardrobe.
The Theatre seats 194 and is purpose built for small and mid-scale productions, and fully equipped with lighting and sound facilities. The theatre is a shared space, used by Drama, Dance and Music for rehearsals and to stage productions throughout the year.
Our industry-standard Theatre is a resource for Drama students to produce school productions through Broughton Youth Theatre and for training in stage craft, presentation, design, theatre arts and technologies. Many of these skills are transferable to a range of other disciplines and mediums.
Drama Courses
DRAMA HIGHER
Entry
- N5 Drama Grades A, B or C (in both the course assessment question paper and performance) OR
- N5 English Grades A or B (in all course elements) OR
- Creative Industries SfW (pass)
- NPA in Drama and Performance
- Other appropriate experience of Drama (with evidence of the level prior experience)
Progression
The CfE Higher Drama NQ is accepted as a University and College entrance qualification and shares common threads with English, Media Studies and Social Studies. You will also refer to complex social and cultural influences on drama through the study of plays and playwrights. The course is recommended for students wishing to pursue a degree or further qualification in theatre, performing arts or creative industries, humanities, social sciences, humanities and law.
The course provides opportunities for learners to develop skills creating and presenting drama. This Course focuses on the development and use of complex drama skills and production skills to present drama.
Learners will analyse and evaluate how the use of self-expression, language and movement can develop their ideas for drama. Learners will develop critical thinking skills as they investigate and develop complex drama skills.
DRAMA - National 4 & 5
Should I choose Drama?
The Drama course is for anyone interested in developing their creative skills. Choosing Drama is an excellent way to build confidence and develop personal and social skills, including working in a group or as a team. You will learn essential skills for life including creativity, collaboration, communication, negotiation and problem solving. Drama improves your ability to express yourself through devising Drama and Performance. Drama is an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding course which builds confidence and prepares you for life after school. You learn to be creative, communicate well, organise your thoughts and turn your ideas into action. You also learn technical skills in lighting and sound; set design and props; costume and make up. An excellent choice of course for anyone interested in working with people, the performing arts and creative industries.
What will I learn?
Drama Skills
By responding to ideas and stimuli for drama, you will develop ideas and techniques to communicate dramatic themes. You will work with others when preparing, researching and devising pieces of drama and apply acting skills to portray character. You will learn to evaluate your own work and the work of others.
Production Skills
You will explore production roles and use your production skills by interpreting stimuli and generating ideas for a production concept. You learn to develop and use production skills and evaluate your own contribution to the dramatic context.
Performance
In this unit you will prepare for, take part in and reflect on a small-scale drama performance. You will work with others to develop ideas. You will develop understanding of social and cultural influences on drama, select and apply skills and knowledge appropriate to your chosen role and carrying out their chosen role effectively.
Progression
In S5 and S6, students can choose further study in Drama National 5 or Higher, or the Creative Industries course.
Assessment
National 4 courses are internally assessed through a Performance and coursework. National 5 is external assessment through a performance in a chosen production role (60%) and a question paper (40%).
Drama BGE
In S1 & 2 Drama classes you will build on skills such as, mime and movement, storytelling, improvisation, using scripts, configuration, visualisation and responding to stimuli. You will explore different forms of drama such as melodrama, devised work and scripted work. A fun and creative way to explore your learning.
Should I choose Drama in S3?
The Drama course is for anyone interested in developing their creative skills. You don’t have to be aiming for an acting career! Choosing Drama is an excellent way to build confidence and develop personal and social skills, including working in a group or as a team. You will learn essential skills for life including creativity, collaboration, communication, negotiation and problem solving. Drama improves your ability to express yourself through a range of Drama activities and tasks, including performances. Drama is an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding course which builds confidence and prepares you for life after school! You learn to be creative, communicate well, organise your thoughts and turn your ideas into action. You also learn technical skills in lighting and sound; set design and props; costume and make up. An excellent choice of course for anyone interested in working with people, the performing arts and creative industries.
What will I learn?
Drama Skills
By responding to a variety of stimuli, you will develop skills in improvisation, creating characters, devising Drama and using Drama forms and conventions. You will work with others when creating pieces of drama and apply acting skills to portray character. You will learn to evaluate your own work and the work of others.
Production Skills
You will explore production skills in set and props, costume and make up, lighting and sound. You will use your production skills and generate ideas for a production concept using a script. You learn to develop and use production skills and evaluate your own contribution.
Performance
In this unit you will prepare for, take part in and reflect on a small-scale drama performance. You will work with others to develop ideas. You will develop understanding of social and cultural influences on drama, select and apply skills and knowledge appropriate to your chosen role and carry out your chosen role effectively.
Progression
In S4; National 4 or 5 Drama. In S5 and S6; Higher Drama, Creative Industries.
Department News
Current Drama Department News
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