Performing Arts
DRAMA PRACTICAL EXAMS 2016
Due to the move to Tynecastle High School, the Drama practical exams have been rescheduled to the following dates:
HIGHER DRAMA
Monday 25th April- 5.30pm-9pm
Tuesday 26th April- 5.30pm-9pm
NATIONAL 4/5
Thursday 28th April- 5pm-8.30pm
Friday 29th April- during school day (this may run beyond the normal school day)
ADVANCED HIGHER
Wednesday 4th May- 4.30pm-7.30pm
The Faculty of Performing Arts
The Faculty of Performing Arts includes the discrete subjects of Drama and Music. Here at Craigmount, students can participate in both subjects at all levels up to Advanced Higher. All students are timetabled for Music and Drama classes in S1 and have the opportunity to continue their studies through to S6. Through the performing arts, we aim to inspire students to:
- develop self-expression
- grow in confidence
- be creative
- use their imagination
- improve their performance skills
- work effectively with others
- learn about different themes and issues
- see things from a different perspective
- be reflective
Drama and Music are thriving subjects at Craigmount which make an invaluable contribution to the wider life of the school.
Drama
S1-3 Broad General Education
All students in S1- 3 develop an understanding of creating, presenting and evaluating different dramas. The students have opportunities to create realistic and stylised characters through voice, movement and language, based on a range of stimuli. They aim to develop ideas and contribute to the devising, rehearsing and performance of drama presentations. Students also have the chance to convey relationships and situations in a variety of settings and to different audiences. In S1 and S2 Drama the units of work include: mime, an exploration of mood and atmosphere, old Edinburgh (part of the cross curricular Scotland topic), and a ‘rival gangs’ unit. Through a variety of units students are able to develop their understanding of drama skills while exploring themes and issues meaningful to them.
S4/5/6 Senior Phase
In the Senior Phase, students are able to choose to study Drama at National 3, 4 and 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels. Many of our students go on to study Drama beyond school.
Music
S1-3 Broad General Education
In music students in S1-3 have rich opportunities to be creative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment. Performing and creating are the main features for all learners. Through these activities students develop their vocal and instrumental skills, explore sounds and musical concepts, and use their imagination and skills to create musical ideas and compositions.
Students further develop their understanding and capacity to enjoy music through listening to musical performances and commenting on them. Technology and ICT are used to enhance students’ composition and performance, and to promote their understanding of how music works.
S4/5/6 Senior Phase
In the Senior Phase, students are able to choose to study Music at National 3, 4 and 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels. Many of our students go on to study music beyond school.
Wider Achievement Opportunities
In addition to learning within the formal curriculum, students in Drama and Music enjoy many opportunities to participate in school shows, events and other performances.
Extra Curricular Drama
There are different projects each year for students to get involved in. There are opportunities for students on stage, back stage, front of house and in production roles. Last year was a busy one ending in the student-led production, “Guys and Dolls”.
This session we have evening performances of Drama students’ work from S2, S4, Int. 2, Higher and Advanced Higher. The S1 Drama Club will be showcasing their work at the end of term. S6 students are producing and directing a Play Festival and a new musical (written and directed by one of the group).
Senior Drama students are given the opportunity to go on theatre visits outwith school hours; 2013/14 includes trips to see “Coriolanus”, “Dark Road”, “Dragon” and “War Horse”.
Extra Curricular Music
The Music Department is always busy at break times, lunchtimes and after school with rehearsals for instrumental and vocal ensembles. All students learning an instrument have the opportunity to take part in at least one group and anyone is welcome to join the choir. Many students are members of several ensembles. All our extra-curricular groups take part in concerts at Christmas and Spring and some perform at other school events, community and charity concerts. The regular Music Tours are always fantastic experiences which enable students to perform at various venues throughout Europe. Our most recent tour was to Paris in June 2012.
Sections
Staff
| Laura Thompson | Curriculum Leader |
| Fiona Cunningham | Teacher Drama |
| Taylar Donaldson | Teacher Drama |
| Ewen Emery | Teacher Drama |
| Stephen Mclaren | Teacher Music |
