Drama

2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC Board Developed Course

Course Description:

In 2 Unit Drama students have the opportunity to develop their expressive and communication skills while participating in practical workshops concentrating on script analysis, acting and performance. Students interested in performing on stage and studying acting techniques and styles as well as aspects of theatrical production would be well suited to 2 Unit Drama.

During the Preliminary Drama Course students are involved in a group devised performance and an individual project enabling the development of skills in acting, directing, lighting, sound set/costume and design. The course is modelled off the HSC course to thoroughly prepare students for the rigorous Year 12 course. This includes a close study of text and fundamental practice in devising group theatre.

In the HSC Drama Course students devise and develop a Group Performance of 8-12 minutes in length for external examination. This performance is an original piece of theatre allowing students to enhance and refine their creative, collaborative and negotiation skills as they work with their peers. The Individual Project enables students to specialise demonstrating their expertise in one particular area of interest. The project can be chosen from Performance, Script-writing, Theatre Criticism, Set/Lighting/Costume Design or Video Production. The Individual Project is also, examined externally as a practical component of the HSC examination.

Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course

  • Script Analysis, Playbuilding, Acting

  • Elements of Production in Performance

  • Theatrical Traditions and Performance Styles

HSC Course

  • Australian -Drama and Theatre

  • Studies in Drama and Theatre

  • Group Performance

  • Individual Project

Particular Course Requirements:

The Preliminary Course builds upon the foundation skills necessary for the successful achievement of all outcomes in the HSC Course. In the study of theory, all students participate in practical workshop activities and performances to enhance their understanding of the material studied in the prescribed topics. In preparing for the Group Performance, a published list is used as a starting point for the actors. The Individual Project is negotiated between the student and the teacher at the beginning of the HSC Course. Students choosing Design must base their work on a play from the prescribed list.

Major Project

In Drama, students have to produce an Individual Project (IP) where they choose one of the following: Monologue, Poster and Promotion, Lighting Design, Set Design, Costume Design, Script writing, Theatre Criticism, Applied Research task, Director's Folio or Video Drama. This is worth 30% of their HSC mark. Depending on the chosen project, students may have to purchase their own supplies to help them complete their IP. Students can start working on their IP during Term 4 of Year 11.

Students will also develop a group devised performance (GP) from a list of topics that is worth 30% of their HSC mark. Students can work on their GP from Term 2 of Year 12. Both the IP and GP require a logbook to document the processes of each and are marked by external NESA representatives who either attend the school on a designated day during Term 3 to watch the performances or work at a marking centre where projects are sent.

The remaining 40% of the student's HSC mark is for their HSC Written Examination which is based on two topics: Contemporary Australian Theatre, and Studies in Drama and Theatre, that consist of two plays each.


School Fees: Nil