Course Content

Drama develops skills and knowledge that are essential to modern life and to the world beyond school. It is difficult to imagine any job that does not involve communication with other people and the study of Drama helps to develop confidence, clarity of thought and self-assurance when dealing with and speaking to others, as well as the subject specific skills related to Drama and performance and the technical aspects of theatrical production.

The S4 Drama course provides learners with rich and varied opportunities to be creative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment.

The first unit will require learners to create and present a drama based on their response to a variety of different stimuli. This will directly prepare them for a key part of the written paper. They will also undertake a production skill chosen from one of the following: Lighting, Sounds Effects & Music, Props, Set, Costume and Theatrical Hair & Makeup.

The second unit is based on a script and learners will choose to either act or to focus on a production skill that they did not explore in the first unit.

The third practical unit is direct preparation for the practical exam and they can be examined on: Lighting, Sound Effects & Music, Props, Set, Costume, Theatrical Hair & Make-up or Acting.

The course provides a good balance between practical exploration and the knowledge and understanding of all that goes into a dramatic production. It is a dynamic and interesting course that provides pupils with a wide variety of personalisation and choice whilst allowing their creativity and confidence to grow.

Career Pathways

• Acting

• Costume designer

• Education

• Lighting designer

• Police Force

• Radio presenter

• Set designer

• Theatre director

• Television production assistant

• Arts administrator

• Drama teacher

• Youth worker

• Media & Journalism

• Producer

• Researcher

• Sound designer/engineer

• Voice coach

• Camera Operator

• Drama therapist

• Law

• Medicine

• Psychology

• Script writer/editor

• Stage Management

• Hair and makeup designer