Qualifications

2021-22 Courses are confirmed!

We’re delighted to confirm our Qualification Courses for next academic year; 2021-22. Given the disruption that students have faced over the last year we are delighted to be able to deliver Higher Drama, Higher Dance, A-Level Moving Image Arts and National 5 Drama.

We anticipate that we will have more interest than we are able to accommodate and therefore we will adopt an application and interview process.

We are looking for students who are able to demonstrate a real passion for their chosen subject, and we are particularly interested to hear from students who face barriers to participating in the arts.

Recruitment Timeline

Applications Open: Thursday 1st April

Application Deadline: Friday 7th May

Interviews: w/b 24th May

Induction Day (all courses): TBC June (w/b 21st)

Course Delivery Begins: From August 2021

At the bottom of this page you will find a link to our online Application Form – you can use this to apply for any of the courses. You will also find Sample Dates for each course.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.

COVID-19 Update: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic Eden Court remains closed. Our intention is to deliver all 2021-22 courses with a blended approach; combining online delivery using Google Classroom and face to face teaching at the theatre. This will remain under review, in line with the latest Government guidance available to us.

COURSES

Eden Court, in partnership with the Highland Council and Screen Education Edinburgh, proudly offers the opportunity to study Qualifications in Drama, Dance and Moving Image Arts here at the theatre. Full information about the courses is available below.

Bursaries to support travel costs are available, 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 Lucy McGlennon, Head of Engagement.

Moving Image Arts (MIA) is a practical subject with hands-on film production at its core, and is believed to be the best film qualification in schools across Europe.

The qualification is based on the study of film history and theory, as well as a portfolio & final film which participants research, develop, write, produce, direct, shoot and edit.

MIA is an ideal choice for students wishing to pursue a career in the Creative Industries, which value and promote independence, originality, creative enterprise and technical skill. The course develops creative and critical abilities in writing, producing, directing and editing, as well as analysing films from a range of contexts and disciplines.

Students aged up to 19 years old are welcome and must be well-motivated and able to commit to 100% attendance at the agreed course dates in Inverness, which will be at weekends and during school holidays.

The Moving Image Arts A-level is accredited by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland, delivered by Eden Court and funded by Screen Scotland.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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:

  • 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.
  • Students aged 14 and over are eligible to apply, though we recommend that students have completed their fourth year at school.
  • Some performance experience is desirable, as acting is central to both assessment and the workshop approach.

Please click here to access the online Application Form.

Sample Course Dates:

We are unable to provide confirmed course dates for 2021-22 at this stage, but below you will find Sample Dates based on previous years. These give you an idea of the commitment required.

Application packs:

Sample dates: