High School Drama encourages discovery through experimentation, interpretation and creation. Students explore their own world and the world around them, responding to a range of stimuli to create, direct, design and perform both original work and contemporary and diverse play scripts. Drama and theatre are creative and collaborative art forms that promote students to support and encourage others, express ideas, listen and participate actively with the content. Students synthesise personal and collaborative reflection to evaluate the effectiveness of their choices.
Explore the complexities of the human condition through practical and reflective artistic processes and by exploring personal contexts.
Develop interpersonal and intercultural skills in creating original and interpretative work with heightened awareness of perspectives in storytelling
Critically reflect on how theatre can be used as a vehicle for change in our society through a range of performance and design opportunities.
Engage with local and global artists, enabling real world experiences and growing appreciation of values and theatre traditions
Physicalise and vocalise ideas, growing the collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills necessary for effective 21st century leadership.
Drama fosters community by creating shared experiences through performance and participation. It allows communities to explore and celebrate their cultural heritage, traditions, and stories, while addressing social issues, challenges and conflicts - providing a platform for dialogue and reflection. The collaborative process of creating a production enhances unity and a sense of shared purpose as individuals work together towards a common goal. By stepping into various roles and perspectives, both participants and audiences develop greater empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between diverse groups. Ultimately, drama weaves together the fabric of a community, fostering connection, understanding and a shared identity.
The Drama Toolbox
Developing skills in experimenting with a range of theatre styles and devices
Devising for social change
A practical exploration of the plight of those displaced
A Dynamic Text
A physical approach to script work focusing on design elements
Actor Training across the globe
Diverse actor training techniques for solos
The World of Masks and Puppets
What can I learn about a culture when I research and explore manipulating masks and puppets?
Directing the Greeks
How can the Greeks be made relevant to today's generation? How can I interpret a play and make it engaging with a strong message?
The Last Tree SHOWCASE
How can you use set pieces, multi media, lights and sound to help develop an original devised piece in response to climate change?
You can find more detailed unit outlines here
Exploring issues and themes using a range of stimuli
Engage with Asian Theatre Traditions
Interpreting scripts using contemporary systems
Interpersonal and intercultural understanding
Self and Community wellbeing
Communication, collaboration and self management
Designing Lighting, Sound, Multimedia and Set
Experiment with Masks and Puppetry
Evaluate and reflect on processes and dramatic and design choices
This course will assess four specific areas: Context, Creation, Presentation and Evaluation
Context: Personal and social contexts influence creativity and artistic decisions, shaping emotional and intellectual responses in theatre. Active engagement in drama fosters personal and cultural connections, deepens empathy for diverse perspectives, and enhances the authenticity and relevance of performances through thoughtful research.
Creation: Drama is about communicating ideas, emotions, and perspectives through creative expression. Collaboration in drama fuels creativity and innovation, enabling the effective exchange of ideas and problem-solving. Interpreting and crafting dramatic works deepen the understanding of how artistic choices captivate audiences. Performers learn to select and manipulate materials to create tension, emotion, and atmosphere, while practical experimentation and thoughtful content foster innovative approaches to storytelling.
Presentation: The presentation of dramatic works is designed to communicate meaning and evoke specific responses from the audience, creating a powerful connection between the performers and those who experience the performance. Through collaboration, students enhance their creative potential in performance, while designers and performers develop specific skills, techniques, and processes to deepen artistic expression. The curriculum also explores how voice and body express identity within cultural contexts, allowing performers to connect with their audience.
Evaluation: Reflection and feedback are essential components in drama, guiding performers to refine their work and enhance the expression of their intentions. By engaging in self-reflection, analysing audience feedback, and critically assessing their choices, performers can continually improve and create more impactful presentations.
Assessments will be ongoing throughout the year via practical and written/oral coursework.