An investigation into how beneficial drama is as a subject in the personal development of first and second year pupils in relation to the four capacities in the Curriculum for Excellence.

Abstract

This study investigates how beneficial drama is as a subject in enhancing the personal development of first and second year pupils in relation to the four capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence. The relatively new curriculum encourages Active Learning and is focused on the development of the pupils. Active Learning is linked to this study through the constructivist theories of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. The study highlights how Active Learning and Creativity can be used in drama and how these two learning methods can encourage pupils to develop their knowledge and learn new skills. Drama is a term that often confuses people; the study highlights the various definitions of drama and what drama in education means. The work of drama in education specialist Dorothy Heathcote has been examined as part of this study. The study offers an exploration into the various benefits of participation in drama. It analyses how these benefits and skills can be transferred to other subjects throughout the curriculum and how they can also be used throughout a pupils life. A sample of pupils and teachers participated in this study and the analysis of the data provided by the sample group showed that they believe drama does enhance the personal development of first and second year pupils. The data also highlights that drama in this school is meeting the four capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence.