SQA COURSES

Eden Court, in partnership with the Highland Council, proudly offers the opportunity to study SQA qualifications in Drama and Dance here at the theatre. Full information about the courses is available below.

Bursaries may be available, as well as some assistance with travel and accommodation costs, for those that need it. Information on how to claim will be provided at the start of the course. We also accept applications from mature students who have been out of school for less than two years, as well as students from outwith the Highland schools area, although there will is a course fee of £500 for these applicants. 

For more information, please contact Duncan Overmeer, Engagement Programme Coordinator.

Higher Dance encourages learners to be inspired and challenged whilst developing technical dance skills through performing, creating and appreciating dance. Students focus on two styles: Jazz and Contemporary, and final assessment includes practical performance of technique and choreography, as well as a written evaluation.

The course prepares you for dance training at college and pursuing a performance career. It will deepen your knowledge, understanding and skills in dance. The course includes regular homework.

Entry Requirements:

• We recommend that you will have completed fifth year of high school by the time you start this course, although it is achievable by committed S4 & S5 students.

• Some dance experience is essential and attending additional classes is recommended for those with little or no previous technical experience.

• It is important that students have a real depth of interest in dance.

• Students have to be well-motivated and able to commit to attendance at all workshops in Inverness on the agreed dates, including the 5-day workshop blocks during school holidays.

Higher Drama provides exciting opportunities to learn skills in creating and analysing dramatic texts; exploring voice, movement and characterisation; and developing skills in production, such as acting, directing, design, lighting, sound and costume. Set assignments will take the form of learning lines, scripting a scene, researching key topics, planning a rehearsal or writing a review.

Students can choose to structure their course around the following streams:

• Acting

• Directing

• Set Design (alongside either Costume, Make-up, Sound or Lighting design)

Final assessments are divided into a practical exam hosted with us in the One Touch Theatre, demonstrate your skills in your chosen area of study, and a written exam which takes place at your school focussing on analysis of our chosen text and productions seen during the course.

The course prepares you for further education and a potential career in theatre. It will deepen your knowledge, understanding and skills in theatre.

Entry requirements:

• You need to have completed your fourth year of high school and passed National 5 English by the time you start this course.

• Some performance experience is desirable, as acting is a significant part of the assessment and our approach in practical workshops.

• Although you don’t have to want to follow a career in performance to enjoy the course, a real interest in theatre is essential.

• Students have to be well-motivated and able to commit to attendance at all workshops in Inverness on the agreed dates, including the 5-day workshop blocks during school holidays.

National 5 Drama is the perfect introduction to the basic workings of drama and theatre, and prepares students for the methods used in the Higher Drama course.

Final assessments are divided into a practical exam hosted here at Eden Court, and a written exam which takes place at your school.

Entry requirements:

• Keen students aged 14 and over are invited to apply.

• Some performance experience is desirable, as acting is central to both assessment and the workshop approach.

• Students have to be well-motivated and able to commit to attendance at all workshops in Inverness on the agreed dates, including the 5-day workshop blocks during school holidays.

LAMDA

The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the oldest drama schools in the UK and their former students can be found on stages and screens around the world. 

Here at Eden Court, we’re proud to provide the opportunity to gain LAMDA qualifications in both Acting and Musical Theatre from entry level up to Elite Grade 8. Weekly evening classes allow students the support and experience to prepare for the annual exams hosted here in Inverness each Spring.

Students work throughout the year towards their exams, so LAMDA is only open to new students at the start of the autumn term and new students must attend a free introductory session to assess their grading before booking the relevant class. Students attend the class that is right for their level but the price is based on age.

Weekly Classes:

LAMDA Grade 1-4 | Wed 17.00-18.00 | Suggested age: 8yrs+

LAMDA Grade 5 | Mon 18.00-19.00 | Suggested age: 16yrs+

LAMDA Elite 1 | Wed 19.00-20.15 | Suggested age: 16yrs+

LAMDA Elite 2 | Wed 20.15-21.30 | Suggested age: 16yrs+

LAMDA Musical Theatre Grade 1-3 | Thu 16.00-17.30 | Suggested age: 8-17yrs

LAMDA Musical Theatre Grade 4-Elite | Thu 17.30-19.00 | Suggested age: 18yrs+