Mhairi Sheail
Curriculum Leader of Music and Drama (Performing Arts)
Billy Duffy
Teacher of Music
Tammy Hood
Teacher of Drama
Natasha Robertson
Teacher of Drama
The faculty of Music and Drama at Forrester is very much a thriving place where active learning is a key focus of the Department’s work. There are 4 members of Teaching Staff and 7 Instrumental Instructors who come in at various times throughout the week to offer specialist individual and group learning on a range of instruments. For more information on the Instrumental Music provision, please contact Mhairi Sheail, Curriculum Leader.
From S1, students get a chance to learn a variety of classroom instruments in their weekly Music lessons and get access to a wide range of state-of-the-art technology throughout the Department.
Both Music classrooms are equipped with 10 Apple Mac computers which run programmes such as GarageBand, Cubase and Sibelius, and students use this technology to design and create their own compositions at various levels.
Students in Drama work collaboratively from S1 upwards, and develop skills in team work, leadership of learning and problem solving. Students engage in activities intended to develop confidence in performance, life skills and creativity.
There is also access to a bank of iPads to support learning and teaching. We have a Recording Studio, again with state-of-the-art technology, where students get to record each other and add a range of effects to enhance their performances.
Courses
S1-3 (Broad General Education)
In the Broad General Education, Music and Drama is offered to all S1 and S2 students in 1 period per week, and to S3 students who choose the subject in 3 periods per week.
Music – Throughout the Broad General, students will learn to play at least 2 classroom instruments (drum kit, keyboard, guitar, tuned percussion, bass guitar), and will develop a variety of skills to support their learning in the Senior Phase and beyond.
Drama – From S1, students get a chance to learn a variety of skills in their weekly drama lessons such as co-operation, confidence, creativity and communication. From S2 upwards, pupils also get access to the of state-of-the-art technology in the Department, such as a sound mixing desk and Juggler lighting control desk.
S4-6 (Senior Phase)
Please click the link below to view our senior phase courses.
There is a fully equipped drama studio with a lighting rig, which has three different types of stage lanterns, a props and costume store and make-up resources, allowing pupils to design and create their own plays and develop skills in Theatre Arts. There is the opportunity to use the faculty recording studio, to record radio plays and add a range of effects to enhance their performances.
Theatre trips are a regular occurrence for students at all stages, as well as backstage tours and workshops from visiting companies.
Musical Theatre is offered as an elective in S3, where students can work towards units at NPA Level 6.
Courses
Senior Phase
In the Senior Phase, Music is offered at National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher. Drama is offered at National 4, National 5 and Higher. Students choosing Music and/or Drama in S4, S5 or S6 will work towards a qualification best suited to their experience and ability, following discussion with teaching staff.
Musical Theatre is offered as an option at NPA Level 6, where students can also complete units or course awards for Music Business and Acting & Performance (both at NPA Level 6).
Please click the link below for an overview of our course choices for senior phase students.
In 2021-22, we have a woodwind ensemble and a school show planned. We are hoping to re-introduce guitar ensemble, folk group and rock band in session 2022-23. There are always opportunities for students to be involved in group music making or drama performance, whether this be live or pre-recorded. Students who want to get involved should speak to their music or drama teacher for more information.
Music and Drama are subjects which demonstrate skills, creativity, independence of learning, resilience and collaboration, so are helpful for all career choices. However, many people who study Music and/or Drama go on to become teachers, therapists, performers, technicians, event managers and designers.