Overview
Availability
Years 9-10
Qualification
RoSA
Drama develops students’ creativity, confidence and communication skills through the exploration of performance, storytelling and theatre. Students engage with real and imagined situations, investigating people, experiences and ideas while developing an understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In Drama, students learn through making, performing and appreciating dramatic works. They develop skills in collaboration, problem-solving and creative thinking as they create and present performances for a range of audiences. Students explore different dramatic forms, styles and theatrical traditions, while learning how performance can communicate meaning, challenge perspectives and tell powerful stories.
Through practical and collaborative experiences, students build skills in acting, improvisation, scriptwriting, directing and production. They analyse their own work and the work of others, reflecting on how dramatic techniques, creative choices and cultural contexts influence theatre and performance. By exploring diverse stories and viewpoints, students develop empathy, critical thinking and the confidence to express their ideas both on and off the stage.
Core Focus Area
- Making drama through performance, improvisation and storytelling
- Performing scripted and devised theatre works
- Appreciating and analysing drama, live and recorded performance
- Exploring dramatic forms, styles and theatre practitioners
- Developing acting, directing and production skills
- Investigating contemporary, historical and cultural theatre practices, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
Topics or Projects may include:
- Character Development and Acting Techniques
- Creating an Original Ensemble Performance – Many Voices, One Story
- Theatre Design and Stagecraft
- Short Film Production
- From Page to Stage: Script writing and Performance
Highlights of the Course
Performance Projects
Students perform a range of scripted and original works, developing practical acting skills through characterisation, voice, movement and improvisation while working collaboratively with their peers. Through workshops, rehearsals and performances, students learn how actors communicate ideas, emotions and stories to an audience. These performance experiences build confidence, resilience and public speaking skills while providing opportunities for creative expression in a supportive environment. Students perform for class audiences and may also have opportunities to showcase their work at school events such as Cre8ive sessions.
Theatre Production and Design
Drama extends beyond acting and provides students with opportunities to explore the creative processes that take place behind the scenes. Students investigate areas such as costume, set design, lighting, sound, and stagecraft, discovering how these elements contribute to storytelling and audience engagement. Through practical activities and production-based projects, students gain valuable insight into the collaborative nature of theatre and the many roles involved in bringing a performance to life
Theatre Excursions and Creative Collaboration
Students experience drama as both performers and audience members through live and recorded performances. These experiences develop an understanding of different theatrical styles and production practices, while ensemble-based projects encourage students to generate ideas, solve creative challenges and create original performances. Through collaboration, students strengthen their teamwork, communication and leadership skills while developing a deeper appreciation of theatre.
Short Film Production
In alternating years, students have the opportunity to create their own short films from concept to screen. Working individually and collaboratively, they explore scriptwriting, acting for camera, directing and editing while learning how film, performance and production techniques engage audiences. This highly practical unit is particularly popular with students interested in filmmaking, media production, digital storytelling and content creation, with opportunities to work as writers, actors, directors or editors within a production team.
Drama builds confidence, communication, collaboration and creative problem-solving skills that are valuable in school, future employment and everyday life. It is an ideal subject for students who enjoy performing, creating, collaborating and expressing ideas through live theatre and digital media.