Creativity in Drama

Students develop their skills in thinking imaginatively and flexibly and in expressing their understanding of self, others, and the world. They explore techniques and strategies to achieve their purpose and apply the creative process. Students work collectively, collaboratively, and independently to examine the human experience and create new insights. 

Communicating Meaning in Drama

 Students examine how meaning is communicated in drama, utilising performance skills, elements of production, forms, and styles. By conducting research and analysing dramatic works that have made a difference, students draw conclusions about the purpose and intended audience. They develop skills in empathy, interaction, responsiveness, and communication. Through the creation of their own dramatic works, students understand semiotics and power relationships in different societies. They apply dramatic techniques to shape audience response by provoking, informing, or entertaining.  

Drama in Context

Students explore the works of dramatists and performers from different times and places to understand how social, historical, political, and/or cultural contexts have shaped theatre and impacted audiences. They engage with the issues and ethical dilemmas confronting people in other contexts to develop insight and intercultural understanding. Through a range of perspectives, they examine the possibilities - through different genres, forms of practice and approaches to technique, they gain an understanding of dramatic techniques that may be applied. 

Adaptation in Drama 

Students examine a range of spoken, performed, visual or written texts to understand how universal themes and perspectives are represented. They assess the relevance of the challenges and issues revealed, and explore possible interpretations to reimagine them as dramatic performances for a contemporary audience. They develop skills in adaptability, critical analysis, and versatility. In adapting texts, students use a variety of methods, mediums, and techniques to achieve transformation. 

Independent Study  

The Independent study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own individual learning. An Independent study unit must be proposed by an individual student, be for their own independent study, and negotiated with their teacher. An Independent study unit requires the principal’s written approval. The program of learning for an Independent study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course. Students must have completed at least 3 standard 1.0 units in this course. 

Innovation in Drama  

Students learn about innovative dramatic practice, past and present, and employ techniques and forms to break with conventions and to be inventive in their work. They explore the dramaturgical and technical capacity to encompass innovations in technique, performance, direction, production and/or digital platforms. Students examine the nature of ensemble and group practices, and the reinvention of traditional notions of theatre, processes, and roles. They develop skills in inquiry, resourcefulness, sustainability, and curiosity. Students appraise works that have revolutionised theatre over time and challenged and redefined audience expectations.  

Leadership in Drama  

In this unit, students learn about leadership in the context of creating dramatic works. They explore the possibilities for shaping and influencing a dramatic work through engagement with aspects such as producing, writing, directing, performing, or designing. Students develop skills in risk-taking, integrity, initiative, and confidence to share their vision. In learning about leadership, they gain an understanding of the various roles required in a dramatic work, and the communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills necessary to shape and effectively execute performances. 

Entrepreneurship in Drama 

In this unit, students learn to create opportunities and examine various avenues for engaging in performance. They examine the theatre landscape and different pathways for participation in the industry. Students learn from the past how theatre groups and performers have overcome obstacles and worked creatively within constraints. They develop an enterprising mindset and consider the possibilities for authentic experiences for a range of audiences. Students appraise the role of technology in dramatic ventures, now and in the future.