In S4- S6, pupils can elect to take Drama and study towards a National Qualification. As some pupils will be returning to the subject after a break in their learning and teaching, this will mean that there is a mix of S5 and S6 pupils in one class.

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The National Qualifications for Higher are  going through changes next year, however the structure for this academic year for Higher Drama is to cover the 'Drama Skills' and 'Production Skills' units. These are internally assessed units that are completed through the year. 

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HIGHER DRAMA  EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Course assessment
Performance
In approaching the Course assessment (performance), learners should be given the opportunity to select text(s) (for actors it should be two texts, for directors and designers it will be one text) which allows them full scope to explore, create and design a creative performance concept within their given area.
 

Actors — performances must involve interaction with at least one other actor (this need not necessarily be someone from within the same class and could be someone who is not being assessed in this area). Learners should prepare two contrasting roles.
 

Directors — Directors will conduct a rehearsal with actors for their performance assessment. The rehearsal will last approximately 30 minutes and will cover approximately two pages of script.

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Designers — will design a set for their chosen text and choose one other area of design to complement this. They will demonstrate their design concept for the play (this may be through the production of plans, drawings, designs, plot sheets, mood boards, etc) and practical realisation of the additional production area.
For example, learners may design:
♦ a production concept for set and designs for the costumes for the chosen text
♦ a production concept for set and sound plot for the chosen text
Production areas for this section will be set design with one of the following:
♦ lighting
♦ sound
♦ props
♦ costume
♦ make-up and hair
Designers will design a set and present this to the Visiting Assessor. For their other design skill they will evidence research and creativity to include the following:
♦ plans for lighting the whole play and demonstrating lighting
♦ plans for sound including CD (or mini-disc or iPod) of music/effects for whole play and demonstrating sound
♦ designs for costume including one made costume
♦ designs for make-up and hair and demonstrating a make-up application
♦ lists and designs for props and one made prop

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Preparation for Performance

All candidates must  complete a 'Preparation for Performance'. This is worth 10 marks of the total. This allows the candidate to inform the examiner of the work they have done and their concepts for the role they have taken responsibility for in preparation for the final piece.

Question paper

Pupils who are studying at HIGHER level MUST attend at least one performance that is NOT a musical.This is so that they can complete the written paper of the exam for their qualification.
Candidates can use the same selected text for the question paper as they have used in Drama Skills or Drama: Production Skills or their performance.
In Component one, question paper, there are two Sections:
Section one
This section will deal with comment on the social, historical and theatrical contexts of the studied text. Learners will be required to demonstrate knowledge of a text they have studied, in terms of content and the social/historical/theatrical contexts, and to show an understanding of how the text could be communicated to an audience through performance. The paper will pose questions which allow learners to answer from the perspectives of a director or actor or designer in preparation for an intended production. Learners will be credited on their ability to make use of appropriate quotations.
Section two
Performance analysis can be taught in either Drama Skills or Drama: Production Skills Units. This will take the form of a written analysis of a performance that the learner has seen. This may be a live or, if necessary, recorded theatrical performance.

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Performance analysis will consider areas such as:
♦ the genre, theme, social, historical and theatrical context of the performance piece
♦ the company performing the play
♦ the performance space
♦ the director’s intentions and effectiveness
♦ the acting and development of characters
♦ the design concepts and their effectiveness — set, props, costume, make-up lighting, sound/effects
♦ audience reaction
♦ overall impact
It is understood that not every set of learners can easily access professional live theatrical performance. Section two allows for responses based on:
♦ live or recorded material
♦ appropriate amateur performances
Learners must answer each Section on a different text. Again candidates are expected to show their understanding  through the use of correct terminology. They will be given a copy of the SQA's Drama Lexicon and the department study guide which will have all the information needed to help them through the written exam

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