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Friday 18 May 2012
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Drama
Drama offers pupils the opportunity to explore thoughts, feelings and ideas in a range of challenging and exciting contexts. The subject lends itself very readily to the four capacities outlined in A Curriculum For Excellence: the fostering of confidence, creativity, responsibility and citizenship underpins every Drama lesson.
Drama is a relatively new but thriving subject at Albyn. The Atrium has recently been adapted to provide a flexible space for rehearsal and perofrmance and the main Hall is equipped for full scale productions.
Pupils who choose Drama in U3 develop a range of skills including acting, directing, devising, costume, props, make up, lighting and sound. These skills are consolidated in U4 when pupils are presented at Intermediate 2 level. Each pupil chooses a specialism in which they are assessed by a Visiting Examiner. Assessment, both written and practical, takes place throughout the year. The final written exam allows pupils to apply their knowledge in relation to a short textual extract provided by the SQA.
Higher Drama is available to pupils in U5 and U6 who have opted to continue their study of the subject or have gained appropriate practical experience outside of school. At this level, challenging texts are studied, such as ‘Antigone’ by Sophocles and ‘Passing Places’ by David Greig. Extended written work is required at Higher. Current trends in Scottish theatre are identified and analysed. One key text is explored from the perspective of both actor and director. In addition, each pupil chooses two acting roles to be assessed by the Visiting Examiner. The academic nature of Higher Drama is widely recognised, making this an ideal choice for pupils seeking an exciting addition to their bank of qualifications.
Extra curricular activities are open to all pupils with an interest in Drama, not just those who are studying the subject. Pupils in U1 and U2 are particularly encouraged to get involved, in order to acquire a taste for the subject. At present, three boys in U2/3 are preparing to take part in the BBC’s Shakespeare Off By Heart competition. Albyn’s production of ‘The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe’ in November 2010 brought together talent from across the school, both on stage and behind the scenes. Our next major production is planned for session 2012-13. Theatre visits are also organised by the department: our next excursion is to see Ena Lamont Stewart’s ‘Men Should Weep’ at His Majesty’s Theatre.