Drama COURSE Page
Drama is the study of how we communicate, and aims to help all pupils develop valuable communication skills which will help them in school and beyond.
SCHOOL SHOWS
At Carluke High School, we are proud to be able to produce an annual musical theatre performance, which is almost entirely run by pupils. As of June 2026 we have just performed HEATHERS: TEEN EDITION, staffed by almost 90 incredible pupils from across the school.
A fantastic show with so many main and character parts...Singing, acting, dancing, tech team, back stage and front of house teams carrying out their parts brilliantly and with enthusiasm. Difficult, but unfortunately realistic themes were covered well in an upbeat show that clearly makes it's point but definitely entertains too.
Kurt and Ram were a highlight!
It was all very professional. There are some seriously talented children in Carluke High - you must be very proud of them! There were some tricky topics, sensitively approached.
Here are some photographs taken by one of our pupil photographers @abbiem.photography:
Our previous shows were ROCK OF AGES: TEEN EDITION, CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION and WE WILL ROCK YOU (SCHOOLS EDITION).
In June 2027, we will be presenting the brilliant SIX: TEEN EDITION!
WATCH OUR HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2024 PERFORMANCE
Students of NPA Acting and Performance took part in the event in January.
Katie, Imogen, Laura, Kiera and Caitlin performed the powerful scenes from Elie Wiesel's NIGHT, which details his experiences during the Holocaust.
The group were accompanied by a live piano version of Moonlight Sonata, performed by Advanced Higher Music student Joey. See the performance below:
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We Will Rock You 2023
By studying the basic elements of Drama, including mime, movement, use of voice and understanding the use of movement, pupils will learn how to use their own communication skills, and develop new skills, through many varied Drama activities.
Pupils experience the planning process of developing stories, and participate and work in teams. They also learn rehearsal skills and work towards performance, not only as an actor, but performance in technical roles such as lighting or props.
Pupils are encouraged to fully participate in the work of the class, which provides many opportunities to develop transferable skills which are useful across the school, and in life, and by pushing themselves, pupils can learn to develop confidence in their own communication abilities.
Pupils study towards N5 in S3-S4, with options to join NPA or Higher in senior years.
Check out one of our Drama thinglinks below:
Skills
- Communication
- Listening
- Negotiation
- Decision-Making
- Problem Solving
- Performance Skills - voice and movement
- Technical Skills - planning, designing and operating
Learn how to write about voice and movement in this short video:
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Future Pathways
The first natural pathway for a Drama student is to study Acting, Design or Performance at college or university level, with many performance courses hoping candidates have had a thorough grounding in Drama at secondary school level.
The transferable skills learned in Drama are also useful in many other professions, including any media, TV, or journalism role. Candidates can also look forward to roles in technical theatre behind the scenes or in TV or film production.
Candidates may also pursue training in Arts management and working in theatres or in communities.
The subject is studied at N5 level, through NPA and Higher and Advanced Higher level, and is suitable as an entry point to many colleges and universities with performing arts or technical courses.
