Higher Drama

Drama National 3 National 4 National 5 Higher Adv Higher

Updated Higher Drama specimen question paper and course specification (19/05/25)

19-MAY-2025

We’ve updated the Higher Drama course specification and Higher Drama specimen question paper for session 2025-26 onwards.

The documents reflect the changes we’re making to the Higher Drama question paper, which are detailed below.

The updated course specification also contains a revised recommended text list for the Higher Drama performance.

You’ll find information on these changes in the ‘history of changes’ section of the course specification, which outlines what you need to do differently from session 2025-26.

Changes to the Higher Drama question paper

From session 2025-26, we’re removing section 2 – theatre production: application – from the Higher Drama question paper. The current section 3 (performance analysis) will become section 2.

The revised question paper will be worth 40 marks and will contain two sections of extended-response questions:

• Section 1 – theatre production: text in context (20 marks)

• Section 2 – performance analysis (20 marks)

The exam will have a shorter duration of 2 hours.

We’re also introducing a prescribed text list for section 1: theatre production – text in context. In addition, we’re revising the wording of the questions, and we’ve revised the marking instructions to align with the approach used at National 5 and Advanced Higher.

Revised recommended text list

The recommended text list now contains 30 texts, which provide the appropriate level of challenge for learners studying Higher Drama. The list contains:

• 15 prescribed texts for section 1 of the question paper.

• 15 other appropriate texts that you can choose to use for the performance component (or you can choose any other appropriate text).

The list doesn't prescribe which versions of the text you must use; we'll accept all publications or translations.

Why we’re making these changes

In previous sessions, we’ve seen evidence that some learners are spending a disproportionate amount of time on sections 1 and 2 of the question paper. As a result, those learners either don’t attempt section 3 or don’t finish it in the given time, so they aren’t accessing the full range of marks available. The number of learners not completing section 3 has steadily increased over the last few years.

Reducing the question paper, and focusing only on the extended response questions, will allow more learners to access the full range of marks for both sections.

Removing the current section 2 won’t have any impact on the application of skills, knowledge and understanding assessed by the question paper, as this will still be covered by the remaining sections.

Introducing a prescribed text list will also help learners to prepare for section 1 of the exam and ensure that all learners respond to the questions in section 1 using a text that offers appropriate textual and sub-textual challenge for Higher level.

Feedback from practitioners and learners

We sought the views of teachers, lecturers and learners on these changes. In March, we issued two surveys – one for practitioners, and one for learners.

We received responses from 283 practitioners, and 257 learners who had previously sat the Higher Drama exam.

We’ll publish a full report of our survey findings in June.

We also discussed our proposals with members of our National Qualifications Support Team (NQST) for Drama, who supported the changes.

Current documents

The current course specification and specimen question paper will continue to be available until this year’s appeals service closes.

Course Specification (19/05/2025)

Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

Session 2025-26 onwards

Higher Drama course specification May 2025

Session 2024-25

Higher Drama course specification May 2023

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level

Additional question papers resources

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

Session 2025-26 onwards

Higher Drama specimen question paper May 2025

Session 2024-25

Higher Drama specimen question paper August 2023

2021

There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21.

Coursework

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

Coursework assessment task for Higher Drama September 2018

Guidance on conditions of assessment

Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)

Understanding Standards (13/05/2025)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all events

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Course reports (08/10/2024)

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

Course Reports

2024 Higher Drama course report October 2024
2023 Higher Drama course report September 2023
2022 Higher Drama course report October 2022

Higher Drama

Updated Higher Drama specimen question paper and course specification (19/05/25)

Changes to the Higher Drama question paper

Revised recommended text list

Why we’re making these changes

Feedback from practitioners and learners

Current documents

Course Specification (19/05/2025)

Session 2025-26 onwards

Session 2024-25

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Additional question papers resources

Session 2025-26 onwards

Session 2024-25

2021

Coursework

Understanding Standards (13/05/2025)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

Course reports (08/10/2024)

Course Reports

Ushare open learning resources

Where can you take this course?

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