Subject Overview 

In Performing Arts, students will engage with a range of performance styles, genres and cultural contexts while building technical, expressive and analytical skills. They develop an understanding of how the performing arts communicate ideas, stories, emotions and perspectives to audiences. Students also reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others using subject-specific language and performance conventions. 

Through Dance, students explore choreography, movement and performance skills to create and present dance works. They manipulate the elements of dance, choreographic devices and production elements such as costume, lighting, props and sound to communicate artistic intent. Students analyse dance works from a range of cultures, times and contexts, including works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, while developing safe dance practices and expressive movement skills. 

Through Drama, students develop and perform characters and dramatic works using improvisation, devised and scripted performance forms. They explore the elements of drama, expressive skills and stagecraft, including costume, props, lighting, sound and technologies. Students work collaboratively to create and present performances for different audiences and performance spaces while analysing and responding to drama from diverse cultures, styles and contexts. 

Through Music, students develop skills in listening, composing and performing. They explore a range of musical styles and genres while building vocal and instrumental performance skills. Students use the elements of music to create, rehearse and present solo and ensemble performances and may engage in songwriting, arranging, music production and composition using digital technologies where appropriate. Students analyse and evaluate music from a range of cultures, times and contexts, including music created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

Students will have opportunities to participate in both practical and theory-based learning experiences and will develop confidence as performers, creators and audiences. 

Within Performing Arts students will be assessed on their ability to: 

● develop and perform dance, drama and music works using creative and performance skills 

● communicate ideas, emotions and artistic intentions through performance 

● apply rehearsal processes to refine and improve performances 

● work collaboratively and respectfully with peers in performance settings 

● use performance conventions, production elements and subject-specific terminology 

● analyse and evaluate performances and works from different cultures, times and places 

● reflect on their own work and respond to feedback to improve artistic outcomes 

● demonstrate creativity, organisation and participation throughout the creative process 

Learning Activities: 

Students may participate in a range of activities including: 

● Solo and group performances 

● Script writing and improvisation 

● Acting and character development 

● Choreography and movement composition 

● Vocal and instrumental music performance 

● Music composition and songwriting 

● Technical theatre and stagecraft 

● Performance analysis and reflection 

● Exploration of performance styles, genres and cultural traditions