The Edinburgh Academy

The Edinburgh Academy curriculum
Personally Tailored Teaching

Senior School Curriculum: Drama

Why drama?

Drama is a vital part of our daily lives; it helps us to understand ourselves and other people.  It provides greater self-confidence, understanding and presentational skills. 

There are many opportunities to study and perform drama at The Edinburgh Academy, whether it be in the classroom, studio theatre, one of our two larger performance spaces, or even the open air.

In the first and second year there is one lesson a week, which gives students a grounding in drama skills, especially speaking and listening, now such an important part of both the GCSE and Higher English courses. 

The highlight of the year for the Fourths is the annual Drama Competition.  Two weeks of English lessons are given over to this popular event, which every year spawns new plays and two evenings of great entertainment, with everyone in the year taking part.

GCSE and Higher Drama are available in the later years in the school.

The Magnusson Performing Arts Centre

At the hub of the new Magnusson Centre for Performing Arts is a purpose built theatre which can accommodate audiences of 150, 200 or 250. Three performance spaces are provided which, allied to a moveable stage system, allow full range for directors’ imagination. When the seating is fully retracted the theatre provides a second indoor space for physical education at the senior school in Henderson Row. As part of the renovation work a dance studio and classroom for PE theory classes has also been built. The Magnusson Centre for Performing Arts provides our pupils with a fantastic facility which can be used for both small and large-scale productions.

There have been many successful former pupils who have carved out very successful stage and broadcast careers. Actor Bruce Seton gained TV fame in the 1950's as "Fabian of the Yard." Former Academy girls include actresses Catherine McQueen and Nicola Johnstone (Vivien Reid). Clea Tammes is a publicist and producer, whilst Juliet Lawrence Wilson is a writer and broadcaster. Other well known names include the radio presenters Charles Runcie and Allan Robb, TV journalist Nicky Campbell and actors Jamie Newall and Iain Glen.

Drama in the curriculum

Geits

Seconds

Edinburgh Academy Junior geits drama

Both the 5-14 Guidelines and the National Curriculum place great importance on the development of learning and understanding through dramatic activity.

In the Geits Drama is closely linked to the English course, and lessons are often devoted to exploring texts and issues through dramatic activities.

There are no formal drama lessons, but short plays are explored by practical means in the classroom and in the drama studio as part of the English syllabus.

Edinburgh Academy second year play

All the 2nds have a weekly drama lesson and, through games and activities, we provide an introduction to drama skills and techniques. There is also a weekly after-school activity, which often leads to a production.

Following the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 programmes of study and attainment targets, we provide opportunities for pupils to:

  • reach new understandings and appreciation of self, others and the environment through imaginative dramatic experience;
  • communicate ideas and feelings through language, expression and movement, in real and imaginary contexts;
  • develop confidence and self-esteem in their day-to-day interaction with others;
  • develop sensitivity towards the feelings, opinions and values of others through purposeful interaction;
  • develop a range of dramatic skills and techniques;
  • explore through role-play and investigation areas of study from other subjects in the curriculum.

Thirds

Fourths

Edinburgh Academy third year play

There are no specific lessons of Drama in the Thirds. Skills learned during the Second Year contribute to the exploration of drama texts in the 3rd Year, as part of the English curriculum. There is a weekly drama activity and annual Third Year Play.

Edinburgh Academy fourths drama

In the Fourths there is an opportunity for all pupils to act in the annual drama competition.

Drama GCSE is an exciting, challenging and creative course.

Fifths

Sixths & Sevenths

Edinburgh Academy senior musical

GCSE Drama includes the opportunity to devise and act in dramatic presentations; study drama texts; attend theatre productions; learn effective speaking and listening and presentation skills; and grow in confidence and self-awareness.

Standard Grade is offered as an activity in the Fourths and Fifths.

Edinburgh Academy Higher Drama

Higher Drama develops the central concept of exploring relationships and promotes students' knowledge and understanding of theatre. It is an excellent medium for personal and social development.

There may be the opportunity to take Advanced Higher Drama in 7ths.

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