An exploration into the effect of using drama as an interdisciplinary teaching method on primary children's learning development when used within the framework of Curriculum for Excellence.

This study explores the impact that exposure to drama and learning through drama can have on the development of the learner. In order to understand how children construct their knowledge, it focuses on constructivist theories outlined by Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. With the theories outlined, there is discussion of the new Scottish curriculum, Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). It highlights the reason for the introduction of the new curriculum and how the constructivist theories underpin the methods introduced. The study focuses on interdisciplinary learning, which is a teaching approach outlined in CfE. It expands on how drama can be used as an interdisciplinary teaching method within the framework of CfE, with reference to the work of Dorothy Heathcote. This study uses a methodology that includes interviews with three generalist primary school teachers, as well as observations of one of their lessons. The data has been analysed using a thematic matrix in order to discuss relevant themes that transpired from the data. It has been identified that using drama as an interdisciplinary technique is an effective method; however the implementation of the method is not as prevalent within the primary schools as expected. The research has led for the value of the arts within primary schools to be questioned.ba_dapunpub1323_ethesesunpu