An investigation into the role that drama plays in regards to the pupil's personal development in relation to the Curriculum for Excellence.

Abstract

This study will investigate and discuss the personal development opportunities which drama can offer pupils in relation to the relatively new Curriculum for Excellence. The Curriculum for Excellence will be discussed in line with the role that drama plays in contributing to the curriculum. There will then be discussion of dramas ability to contribute to the personal development of the pupils who participate in the subject, through the inclusion of the appropriate writings and theories. The curricular aspect of Active Learning will also be discussed to further explain the idea of drama contributing to the pupil's personal growth. The study will also be aided through research carried out in Brannock secondary school. The study is informed primarily by qualitative research through the inclusion of government education policy documents, relevant literature, and appropriate theories. There is also inclusion of quantitative research, as some field research was carried out via questionnaires which asked pupils of a secondary school if they believe drama can contribute to their personal development in relation to the Curriculum for Excellence. The study was successful in demonstrating that drama is effective at contributing to the pupil's personal development in relation to the Curriculum for Excellence. Analysis of the data indicates that drama is effectively contributing to the curriculum as well as proving pupils with the opportunity of personal development through its content. It has also been shown that the pupils are able to experience self-development opportunities through their participation in drama, through the inclusion of many writings and theories. Lastly through the distribution of questionnaires, the data generated indicates that the pupils of Brannock secondary school believe drama can contribute to their personal development in relation to the Curriculum for Excellence.