At LHS our Performng Arts department consists of Drama and Music.  Both subjects are taught for one period in S1 and one period in S2.  Pupils can opt to continue their drama/music education in S3 and progress to further study at N4/N5/Higher and Advanced Higher level in both subjects.  A unit-based approach is used in S1 and S2, allowing pupils to develop a broad range of basic skills which give a flavour of the subject.  Units of work around a range of drama forms including improvisation, pantomime, movement and mime introduce pupils to the drama process and show how it can be applied successfully across all forms.  In music, a focus on learning a range of instruments at a basic level include keyboard, drums, voice, percussion allow pupils to be introduced to different music styles and to study a little of the history of popular music in a creative way.  Much of the work in S1/2 drama and music is practical, however, there are times when written work is undertaken, for example during self and peer assessments.

Course structure - the course contains 3 units.  Critical thinking skills are developed as pupils investigate, expand and apply a range of drama skills.

Drama Skills - in this unit learners explore and develop drama skills and ways of communicating thoughts and ideas to an audience.  They also learn how to portray characters and develop knowledge of form, structure, genre and style when creating and presenting drama.  Learners develop knowledge of social and cultural influences on drama.  They also learn how to reflect on their own progress and that of other learners.

Drama: Production Skills (National 4) - In this unit, pupils explore and develop production skills.  They use these skills to enhance drama when presenting.  Pupils use problem-solving skills in order to generate ideas for presenting drama.

Added Value Unit: Drama: Performance (National 4) - This unit adds value by introducing challenge and application.  Pupils draw on and extend their knowledge and apply their production skills in a drama performance.

Recommended entry requirements - Students would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding an/or experience required by the following qualifications:  National 5 Drama - A pass; National 5 English - A pass.  Students should be aware that there will be a requirement to attend extra rehearsals at particular times during the course.

Purpose and aims of the course - Higher drama enables students to develop and use a range of complex drama skills and production skills.  We use an integrated approach to learning which develops practical skills as well as knowledge and understanding of drama.

Subject skills, knowledge and understanding for the course - the following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in higher drama:

• responding to stimuli, including text, when creating drama
• working with others to share and use drama ideas
• develop knowledge and understanding of historical, social, cultural and theatrical influences when creating drama
• exploring drama form, structure, genre and style
• experimenting with presenting through portrayal of character
• gaining knowledge and understanding of complex production skills
• applying complex drama and production skills when presenting
• applying evaluative skills within the creative process (both of their own work and of their peers

Course assessment - for the final course assessment, students draw on, extend and apply the skills they have acquired during their learning.  This is assessed through a performance and a question paper.  The performance involves the advanced interpretation and presentation of extracts from 2 classic texts.  The question paper requires demonstration of a depth of knowledge and understanding of a selected text and a live theatrical performance.

Performance - 60 marks (60% of the total mark) - students can choose to be assessed as an ACTOR, a DIRECTOR or as a DESIGNER.  The performance assessment will involve the application and presentation of complex drama and production skills in relation to the chosen texts.

Question paper - 50 marks out of a total of 110 marks (scaled to 40% of the total mark) - The question paper assesses the application of skills, knowledge and understanding from across the course.  The question paper has 3 sections:  Sections 1 and 2, candidates must answer on their selected text: Section 3, candidates must answer on a performance they have seen.  All course assessments are carried out externally the the SQA.

Students undertaking the higher course are supported by relevant theatre visits, some of which may be in the evening.  Digital theatre screenings by companies such as the National Theatre can also be viewed and written about.

Homework - homework such as research, note-taking, reading or essay-writing based on analysis of the texts and evaluations of theatrical performances are set on a regular basis.  The learning of lines is also required in preparation for performance.  Students are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their own learning, which is reflected in the degree of student autonomy and choice.  In the lead up to practical assessments, a rehearsal schedule for lunchtimes is drawn up in consultation with the students.  There is a strong practical emphasis in the learning and teaching approaches for both creative drama and the exploration of text.

Progression - Advanced Higher Drama, HNC Acting and Theatre Performance/Technical Theatre/Musical Theatre; other qualifications in drama or related areas; further study, employment and/or training.