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Drama

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  8. 5-6
  9. 7-8
  10. 9-10

Level A (Towards Foundation)

Level A Description

In Level A students are exposed to drama to assist them to attend to and explore the world around them with as much independence as possible. They experience how drama can represent the world and represent ideas about the world. They experience dance and are encouraged to use gestures and body movements to react and respond to the world around them. They experience drama as audiences.

Students...

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Level A Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Experience elements of dramatic play with support (VCADRE001)
    Elaborations
    1. provided with rich sensory experiences that give them opportunities to explore sights, sounds, smells, textures of drama
    2. wearing a costume or coactively hold a costume/prop
    3. exploring loco-motor and/ or non-loco-motor movements with assistance
    4. experiencing taking part in purposeful dramatic play
    5. exposed to drama forms and elements; for example use of voices, various movements or different movements for different roles, reacting to voice and movement of self/others

Drama Practices

  1. Use facial expression to communicate a feeling or reaction (VCADRD002)
    Elaborations
    1. provided with a variety of learning experiences that encourage them to explore different ways of using drama
    2. communicating verbally by using the voice in relation to a situation
    3. communicating non-verbally by using facial expression and movement to explore re react to a situation
    4. experience movement within a space as performance space and audience space

Present and Perform

  1. Be involved in sharing ideas through drama (VCADRP003)
    Elaborations
    1. making and sharing drama when supported such as holding prop or costume or completing some actions coactively
    2. experiencing voice and movement in their drama
    3. exposed to rehearsing and performing a drama

Respond and Interpret

  1. React to drama (VCADRR004)
    Elaborations
    1. experiencing and reacting to dramatisations
    2. reacting to stimuli such as other peoples’ stories
    3. experience drama for enjoyment and appreciation
    4. viewing photos or videoing of their dramatisations
    5. attending drama performances or taking part in drama in their community
    6. reacting to the use of voices, movement and space in drama they make and experience

Level A Achievement Standard

By the end of Level A, students participate in dramatic play. They react to aspects of drama they make, perform and view.

Level B (Towards Foundation)

Level B Description

In Level B, students experience and respond to drama. They explore how drama can represent the world and make drama to represent elements of the world. They share their drama with peers and experience drama as audiences.

Students experience different roles and situations related to real life and everyday experiences. They explore voice and movement to create role. They experience drama as a performer and audience.

As they explore drama, students experience drama from a range of cultures, times and locations. Students learn about safety in dramatic play and personal space through their interaction with other actors.

Level B Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Use structured dramatic play to explore ideas (VCADRE005)
    Elaborations
    1. imitating the teacher to express and dramatise different feelings
    2. coping and acting like a particular object or animal
    3. exploring dress up and drama costumes
    4. making a choice between (a limited field) of different costume or prop
    5. participating in whole group teacher led process drama and role play
    6. experience through teacher lead experiences how to use their voices in different ways and make different movements for different roles

Drama Practices

  1. Use voice, facial expression, and/or movement to imitate role and situation (VCADRD006)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring personal control of the body in movement and stillness
    2. moving basic body parts to copy dramatizations and teacher directions
    3. following the teacher’s directions to use movement
    4. exploring voices, movements and spaces in structured drama session
    5. communicating non-verbally by using facial expression and movement to show a role
    6. manipulating objects, puppets, 2D images and available technologies to create stories

Present and Perform

  1. Participate in drama performances to communicate a feeling and/or events (VCADRP007)
    Elaborations
    1. participating as an actor for a short period of time
    2. participating as an audience for a short time
    3. participating in enacting a cultural or community story with the assistance of representatives from the community
    4. following cues and using voice and movement to link action and stories in their drama
    5. rehearsing and performing sequences to communicate stories through drama

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to own and others drama (VCADRR008)
    Elaborations
    1. viewing and responding to photos or video of them during drama
    2. indicating which character/ costume/ drama they liked using drama or images
    3. participating as an audience for a short period of time
    4. viewing and sharing drama experiences through available digital access
    5. experience various viewpoints through teacher lead experiences and indicating their responses through limited field of choices or yes/ no response related to societies and cultures

Level B Achievement Standard

By the end Level B, students make and share drama through dramatic play and improvisation.

Students communicate likes and dislikes in response to elements of drama they make, perform and view.

Level C (Towards Foundation)

Level C Description

In Level C, students explore drama. They learn about how drama can represent the world and that they can make drama to represent their ideas about the world. They share their drama with peers and experience drama as audiences.

Students become aware of role and situation as they listen and respond as fictional characters. They explore sound and movement to create role. They learn about focus and identifying the main idea of the drama. As audiences they recognise that the purpose of drama is to share it with others.

As they experience drama, students draw on drama from a range of cultures, times and locations. Students learn about safety in dramatic play and in interaction with other actors.

Level C Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore ideas for characters in dramatic play (VCADRE009)
    Elaborations
    1. creating and making dramatization in structured situations
    2. communicating basic feelings through simple role play
    3. participating in creative play activities, for example dress ups
    4. participating in dramatic play
    5. improvises responses to drama
    6. participating in whole group teacher-led process drama and role play

Drama Practices

  1. Use voice, facial expression and/or movement to imagine a role and situation (VCADRD010)
    Elaborations
    1. expressing and communicate experiences, observations, ideas and feelings about themselves and their world
    2. communicating verbally by using the voice to explore and show role and situation
    3. communicating non-verbally by using facial expression and movement to explore and show role and situation
    4. practising movement within a space
    5. manipulating objects, puppets, 2D images and available technologies to create stories

Present and Perform

  1. Present drama that communicates ideas, feelings and/or experiences (VCADRP011)
    Elaborations
    1. responding to various performing and visual arts, e.g. clap along, study images within a picture
    2. communicating feelings to others through simple role plays or perform
    3. starting to use and like some familiar words and images to form a meaningful communication
    4. re-enacting significant part/s of cultural or community story with the assistance of representatives from the community
    5. rehearsing and performing sequences of ideas to communicate stories through drama

Respond and Interpret

  1. Share responses to drama by answering yes/no questions and explore where and why people make drama (VCADRR012)
    Elaborations
    1. responding to a dramatization
    2. participating as an audience by modelling the clapping of others
    3. communicating about aspects of their own performance, by pointing to them self, pointing to and name some of their costumes or characters
    4. participating in class discussion about how voices and movement were used in a drama
    5. experiencing drama that show that people have different feelings about the world based on their experiences of the environment and other people

Level C Achievement Standard

By the end of Level C, students make and share simple drama that communicates an idea, feeling and/or experience.

Students communicate ideas about drama and reasons why people share drama by answering yes/no questions.

Level D (Towards Foundation)

Level D Description

In Level D, students explore drama. They learn about how drama can represent the world and that they can make drama to represent their ideas about the world. They share their drama with peers and experience drama as audiences.

Students become aware of role and situation as they listen and respond as characters. They explore voice and movement to create role. They learn about focus and identifying the main character and location of the drama. As audiences they recognise that the purpose of drama is to share it with others.

As they experience drama, students draw on drama from a range of cultures, times and locations. Students learn about safety in dramatic play and in interaction with other actors.

Level D Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore how characters express ideas in dramatic play (VCADRE013)
    Elaborations
    1. creating a play about a social situation
    2. creating a play with a social purpose
    3. using gesture, sound and/ or facial expressions to communicate a character’s feelings at different points in a familiar story
    4. taking part in purposeful dramatic play focusing on experiencing the roles and situations they create
    5. exploring possibilities for role and situation when participating in whole group teacher-led process drama and role play
    6. learning how to work safely during drama activities and following safety rules of the space

Drama Practices

  1. Use voice, facial expression, movement and/or space to express ideas and feelings about their world (VCADRD014)
    Elaborations
    1. communicate a character’s feelings at specific points in a familiar story
    2. provided with a variety of learning experience that encourage them to express and communicate experiences, observations, ideas and feelings about themselves and their world
    3. participate in simple drama activities and use gesture, sound and facial expression to communicate a character’s feelings
    4. communicating verbally by using the voice to explore and show role and situation
    5. communicating non-verbally by using facial expression and movement to explore and show role and situation

Present and Perform

  1. Present drama that communicates major elements of stories and/or experiences (VCADRP015)
    Elaborations
    1. perform in a simple drama/play
    2. demonstrate acceptable audience behaviour in the classroom and when attending school functions
    3. explore or re-enacting cultural or community story with the assistance of representatives from the community
    4. rehearsing and performing sequences of ideas to communicate stories through drama
    5. exploring viewpoints related to meaning and interpretations: For example – What do you want your audience to think about your drama? What did this drama make you think about? How did you feel when making/watching the drama?
    6. exploring evaluations: What did you like best in the drama? Why?

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to drama and describe some of the characteristics they observe (VCADRR016)
    Elaborations
    1. responding to who, what, where questions in relation to Australian drama, including drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
    2. participate in teacher directed class discussions about likes, dislikes, opinion about a play
    3. guided to explore the basic features of their own and others performance such as what features they like best, characters, special effects
    4. identifying drama to places and spaces at school and in the community

Level D Achievement Standard

By the end of Level D, students make and share drama that communicates major elements of stories or experiences.

Students provide a simple explanation about the characteristics of drama they make, perform and view.

Foundation Level

Foundation Level Description

In Foundation, students explore drama and learn about how they can make drama to communicate ideas and stories. They share their drama with peers and experience drama as audiences.

Students are introduced to processes that assist them to make drama about real and imagined situations. They learn that drama involves pretending that what is happening in the drama is real.

Drama in the local community is the focus for learning. Students talk about their observations of drama they see in their community, on television and film and online.

Students learn about safety in dramatic play and in interaction with others.

Foundation Level Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore ideas for characters and situations through dramatic play (VCADRE017)
    Elaborations
    1. taking part in purposeful dramatic play
    2. using stimuli such as stories, poems, music and images to explore ideas and feelings, for example, working with a local Koorie person to explore the way characters in a story might move or feel
    3. experimenting with dramatic forms such as mime and puppetry
    4. using own experiences and observations as a basis for creating imaginary worlds and characters using available objects as props, responding to questions such as what voice and movement have you noticed in others’ performances that could be used in their drama

Drama Practices

  1. Use voice, facial expression, movement and space to imagine and improvise characters and situations (VCADRD018)
    Elaborations
    1. communicating verbally using voice and movement to explore ways in which their characters speak and move, for example, when taking on roles in teacher-led drama
    2. communicating non-verbally using facial expression and movement to explore and show a character’s feelings
    3. participating in directed role-play
    4. practising staying in role in short improvisations, for example, using responses to questions such as ‘how do you know the character’s feelings?’

Present and Perform

  1. Present drama that communicates ideas and stories (VCADRP019)
    Elaborations
    1. using questions to guide rehearsal and performance of sequences of ideas to communicate stories, for example, what do they want the audience to think about their drama?
    2. presenting scenes the class has developed in response to a stimulus such as an image or a poem
    3. using facial expression, objects and props to enhance their performance and engage the audience
    4. using questions to evaluate performances, for example, ‘what did they enjoy most about the drama and why?’

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to drama, expressing what they enjoy and why (VCADRR020)
    Elaborations
    1. accepting and responding to constructive feedback from teachers or peers
    2. talking about how voices, movement and space are used in drama they make and see, for example, using questions such as ‘what sort of facial expressions did the characters use?, how did the drama make them feel?’
    3. describing the ideas in a story the class has presented through drama
    4. sharing observations of characters they have seen in drama performances in their local community, such as characters in an enactment of a Koorie story at a local festival

Foundation Level Achievement Standard

By the end of Foundation, students make and perform drama that communicates ideas and stories.

Students discuss characters and situations in drama they make, perform and view.

Levels 1 and 2

Levels 1 and 2 Description

In Levels 1 and 2, students continue their exploration and learning about how ideas and stories can be imagined and communicated through drama. They improvise and create roles, characters and situations and learn about focus and identifying the main idea of the drama. They share their drama with peers and experience drama as audiences.

Drama in the local community is the focus for learning. Students also draw on drama from other cultures, times and locations. As they make and respond to drama, students explore meaning and interpretation, forms and elements and social and cultural contexts of drama. They make simple evaluations of drama expressing what they enjoy and why.

Students learn about safety in dramatic play and in interaction with other actors.

Levels 1 and 2 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore roles, characters and dramatic action in dramatic play, improvisation and process drama (VCADRE021)
    Elaborations
    1. taking part in small-group improvisations and story-telling, focusing on experiencing the roles and situations they create
    2. taking turns in offering and accepting ideas
    3. exploring possibilities for role and situation when participating in whole group teacher-led process drama and role-play
    4. taking photos or videoing drama they devise to view and extend their drama ideas
    5. using observations from drama they view to explore possibilities for drama they will make, for example, how did the performers use their voices, what sorts of movements did the performers use, and what voice and movement from others’ performances they might consider using when making their own drama, and why?

Drama Practices

  1. Use voice, facial expression, movement and space to imagine and establish role and situation (VCADRD022)
    Elaborations
    1. communicating verbally by using the voice to explore and show role and situation
    2. communicating non-verbally by using facial expression and movement to explore and show role and situation
    3. practising movement within a space to create the difference between their performance space and the audience space
    4. manipulating objects, puppets, 2D images and available technologies to create stories
    5. responding to feedback as they develop their drama, for example, responding to questions such as ‘how is the character’s mood communicated?, why did they use a freeze-frame (tableaux) in their drama?’

Present and Perform

  1. Present drama that communicates ideas, including stories from their community, to an audience (VCADRP023)
    Elaborations
    1. presenting scenes in which they apply story structures to set the scene, link action and create an ending, such as re-telling a cultural or community story with the assistance of representatives from the community
    2. following cues and using voice and movement to link action, ideas and stories in their drama
    3. considering meanings and interpretations when rehearsing and performing sequences of ideas to communicate stories through drama, for example, ‘what do they want the audience to think about their drama?
    4. enhancing ideas and stories in their drama by using available software and technologies, for example, using a mobile device to add sound effects to a performance

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to drama, expressing what they enjoy and why, and why people in their local area make and perform drama, including drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCADRR024)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying where they might experience drama in their community, for example, sharing experiences of attending a Tanderrum, or taking part in a drama performance in their community and considering how drama sustains and communicates cultural knowledge
    2. talking about how voices, movement and space are used in drama they make and see
    3. connecting to and sharing drama experiences through available digital access
    4. discussing ways drama can show people’s different feelings about the world, based on their experiences of the environment and other people

Levels 1 and 2 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 2, students make and present drama using the elements of role, situation and focus in dramatic play and improvisation.

Students describe what happens in drama they make, perform and view. They identify some elements in drama and describe where and why there is drama.

Levels 3 and 4

Levels 3 and 4 Description

In Levels 3 and 4, students learn by making and responding to drama, independently and collaboratively, with their peers and teachers.

Through activities that focus on sharing and communicating, students extend their understanding of role and situation as they offer, accept and extend their ideas in improvisation and process drama. Through dramatic play, role-play, character development, movement...

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Levels 3 and 4 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore ideas and narrative structures through roles and situations and use empathy in their own improvisations and devised drama (VCADRE025)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring and experiencing a range of roles and situations that they initiate and develop
    2. making improvisations that explore issues and ideas using empathy
    3. using elements of drama such as voice, movement, situation, time and place, and tension and the principles of stories to shape improvisations to communicate their intentions as drama makers
    4. experimenting with tension, and creating dramatic meaning to sustain improvisations and process dramas
    5. discussing how ideas and situations are developed in drama they see, for example, how did the drama begin, develop and conclude?, ‘How are elements of drama such as role, situation, time and place part of the action?, ‘How is the dramatic tension developed?’

Drama Practices

  1. Use voice, body, movement and language to sustain role and relationships and create dramatic action with a sense of time and place (VCADRD026)
    Elaborations
    1. experimenting with the loudness/softness, pace and pitch of their voices to create roles and situations, time and place
    2. exploring roles and situations by trialling the use of language, such as choice of words, expressions and tone
    3. developing sensory and spatial awareness when creating dramatic action
    4. experimenting with body language and gesture used in drama from different cultures and times, for example, in dramatic traditions or practices from Asian societies

Present and Perform

  1. Shape and perform dramatic action using narrative structures and tension in devised and scripted drama (VCADRP027)
    Elaborations
    1. considering ideas from drama they watch such as contemporary drama written/performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander drama practitioner when shaping own drama, for example, which characters they identify with, and what relationships and situations do they recognise?
    2. applying story structures in their drama, including roles and events linked through cause and effect and dramatic tension, for example, exploring local Aboriginal stories and how they are dramatically portrayed as a reference for shaping their own drama
    3. performing their improvised sections of process drama and play-building
    4. planning and rehearsing their drama for a live or virtual performance, for example, a short scripted drama with a sense of role, situation and dramatic tension
    5. evaluating drama they perform, for example, ‘How well did they collaborate to make drama? What worked best in the drama?’

Respond and Interpret

  1. Identify intended purposes and meaning of drama, including the drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCADRR028)
    Elaborations
    1. discussing the planning, developing or refining of aspects of drama they are making and how their drama has been influenced by drama they have viewed or performed
    2. comparing the expectations and requirements of performers and audience in different cultural settings and apply learning in their own performances
    3. comparing drama in their community to drama of other people, times and locations, for example talking with local Koorie community members about how Koorie people told traditional stories through drama in earlier times and how the same stories are communicated now
    4. using drama terminology, write about and discuss the meaning and intentions of their own drama, for example, responding to questions such as ‘what are the stories and the ideas in the drama they watch and listen to, which characters do they identify with, what relationships and situations do they recognise in the drama?’

Levels 3 and 4 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 4, students use relationships, tension, time and place and narrative structure when improvising and performing devised and scripted drama. They use performance skills to communicate ideas and create a sense of time and place in their drama.

Students describe and discuss similarities and differences between drama they make, perform and view. They discuss how they and others organise the elements of drama to shape drama and communicate ideas to an audience.

Levels 5 and 6

Levels 5 and 6 Description

In Levels 5 and 6, students continue to make, perform view devised and scripted drama, independently and collaboratively with their peers, teachers and communities.

Students develop character through voice and movement and extend their understanding and use of situation, focus, tension, space and time. They explore language and ideas to create dramatic action and consider mood and atmosphere...

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Levels 5 and 6 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore dramatic action, empathy and space in improvisations, play-building and scripted drama, to develop characters and situations (VCADRE029)
    Elaborations
    1. experimenting with empathy to develop characters and relationships in drama including considering perspectives, exploring responses and challenging stereotypes
    2. exploring physical, fictional and emotional spaces to create characters and situations and imagined feelings, for example, considering questions such as ‘How is the voice, movement, gesture and the body used to represent a character, situation or idea?’
    3. manipulating dramatic action and use of available technologies to create different meanings
    4. comparing different ways improvisation and scripted drama create characters and action, and evaluating drama from other cultures including considering how they can use specific techniques relating to voice, movement, situation, space and time, and tension in their own work

Drama Practices

  1. Develop skills and techniques of voice and movement to create character, mood and atmosphere and focus dramatic action (VCADRD030)
    Elaborations
    1. varying use of voice, for example, projection, dynamics, pace, pause and pitch, to create and communicate characters’ intentions
    2. rehearsing, interacting and negotiating with others in interpretation of scripts to create characters and their relationships
    3. adjusting the weight (heaviness or lightness of movement), speed, use of stillness, levels in movement through space, to focus on character and situation and create dramatic action
    4. altering voice and movement to show changes in mood and atmosphere, and to create images, effects and an engaging delivery
    5. using evaluations to refine practice, for example, ‘How did the performers use the elements of drama and design elements effectively? For what purposes did they make drama? What evidence supports their judgment about the drama?’

Present and Perform

  1. Perform devised and scripted drama that develops narrative and uses performance styles and design elements to engage an audience (VCADRP031)
    Elaborations
    1. creating narrative and tension to communicate dramatic meaning
    2. exploring and applying different performance styles, and drawing on drama from other locations, cultures and times as sources of ideas in their own drama, and considering any protocols for representing community or cultural stories in performance, for example, working with the local Koorie community to create a drama about the different uses of the land on which the school is situated
    3. using evaluative questions to refine drama during rehearsal, for example ‘What do you intend audiences to experience and understand from the drama?’

Respond and Interpret

  1. Explain how the elements of drama and production elements communicate meaning by comparing drama from different social, cultural and historical contexts, including in the drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCADRR032)
    Elaborations
    1. reviewing their own drama, outlining how they used elements of drama and narrative structures and the consequences of collaborative processes
    2. identifying and discussing different performance styles and the portrayal of different roles and relationships in the drama
    3. talking and writing about drama from other places and times and how it may contribute to their own drama, and how cultural understandings shape meanings in drama
    4. identify the features of drama from different times and places, for example, investigate ways that drama created by contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drama practitioners and drama created by contemporary drama practitioners based in a school’s/region’s sister city in Asia, communicate stories

Levels 5 and 6 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 6, students use the elements of drama to shape character, voice and movement in improvisation, play-building and performances of devised and scripted drama for audiences.

Students explain how dramatic action and meaning is communicated in drama they make, perform and view. They explain how drama from different cultures, times and places influences their own drama making.

Levels 7 and 8

Levels 7 and 8 Description

In Levels 7 and 8, students make and respond to drama independently, and with their peers, teachers and communities.

Students build on their understanding of role, character and relationships. They use voice and movement to sustain character and situation. They use focus, tension, space and time to enhance drama. They incorporate language and ideas and use devices such as dramatic symbol to...

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Levels 7 and 8 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Combine the elements of drama in devised and scripted drama to explore and develop issues, ideas and themes (VCADRE033)
    Elaborations
    1. investigating and researching starting points for drama, for example, ‘What was the performer’s/director’s/playwright’s intention for this drama? or How were symbols used to convey a message in the drama?’
    2. evaluating their peers’ responses to questions about an issue or image
    3. working with different combinations of the elements of drama to create and sustain dramatic situations and show contrast
    4. experimenting with linear and non-linear narratives to focus dramatic action and tension
  2. Develop roles and characters consistent with situation, dramatic forms and performance styles to convey status, relationships and intentions (VCADRE034)
    Elaborations
    1. creating roles and characters by analysing and managing the underlying structure and intent of the drama
    2. developing techniques relevant to dramatic forms, for example, applying established conventions and traditions
    3. using observations of human behaviour, emotions and empathy to convey roles and characters
    4. using questions to explore possibilities, for example, ‘What were the actor/director’s intentions in this drama? What are their intentions in the drama they are making? What ideas did they think the drama expressed? How did they engage with the drama?’

Drama Practices

  1. Plan, structure and rehearse drama, exploring ways to communicate and refine dramatic meaning (VCADRD035)
    Elaborations
    1. planning, organising and rehearsing dramatic action to present performances of devised and scripted drama, for example, working collaboratively to determine a clear and intended purpose and using available stagecraft and theatre technologies, and realise this in performance
    2. using evaluations and responding to feedback when rehearsing, devising and scripting drama, for example, ‘What elements, forms and styles have been used? How have the elements and materials been used and organised to create meaning in different forms and styles? What elements, forms and styles are they using in their drama and why?’
    3. using documentation such as a journal, blog or audio/video recording to analyse and evaluate the structural choices made in their devised drama
    4. interpreting and directing scripted drama, considering how to use stagecraft and design elements to create specific effects
  2. Develop and refine expressive skills in voice and movement to communicate ideas and dramatic action in different performance styles and conventions (VCADRD036)
    Elaborations
    1. developing and refining vocal qualities of audibility, clarity and contrast through control of pace, pitch, dynamics and use of pause and silence
    2. developing use of performance techniques and conventions relevant to selected performance styles, for example, refining use of the body to communicate through movement and stillness, and through realistic and non-realistic movement; and exploring ways to transition between scenes
    3. employing voice and movement appropriate to situation and manipulating space and time in dramatic action to heighten tension, focus action and shape meaning in a scripted drama
    4. developing techniques to engage an audience, for example, by expressing and experiencing character relationships through vocal dynamics and tone, eye contact, proximity and space

Present and Perform

  1. Perform devised and scripted drama using a range of performance styles, maintaining commitment to role and applying stagecraft (VCADRP037)
    Elaborations
    1. performing roles using conventions relevant to the performance style
    2. using audience feedback to enhance future performance, for example, adjusting performance based on audience responses to characters’ portrayal of emotions and empathy
    3. performing roles with commitment to the underlying dramatic structure
    4. evaluating performances, for example, ‘How successful was the director in expressing the intent clearly to the audience? How well did the performers create role or character and use expressive skills?’

Respond and Interpret

  1. Analyse how the elements of drama have been combined in devised and scripted drama to convey different forms, performance styles and dramatic meaning (VCADRR038)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying and analysing how the elements of drama are combined to focus and drive the dramatic action for an audience
    2. identifying and analysing how the elements of drama are used in the historical and contemporary conventions of particular forms and styles
    3. discussing how the elements of drama and stagecraft have been used in a performance they have seen
    4. researching directors’ works through real or virtual performances to interpretations of scripted drama, considering implications for their own work
  2. Identify and connect specific features and purposes of drama from contemporary and past times, including the drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to explore viewpoints and enrich their drama making (VCADRR039)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying contexts, for example, social, historical or cultural relevant to the forms and styles represented in their drama
    2. locating and exploring specific examples of contemporary Australian, Asian and other world drama
    3. describing the role of drama in different cultures and use this information when planning their own drama
    4. considering the cultural context in which the drama they view was made, for example, what are the protocols for viewing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drama and other culturally specific performances? What historical forces and influences are evident in the drama? How does this style of drama vary from drama that is typical of other traditions or other locations?

Levels 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 8, students devise, interpret and perform drama. They manipulate the elements of drama, narrative and structure to control and communicate meaning. They apply different performance styles and conventions to convey status, relationships and intentions. They use performance skills, stagecraft and design elements to shape and focus relationships with an audience.

Students identify and analyse how the elements of drama are used, combined and manipulated in different styles, and apply this knowledge in drama they make and perform. They evaluate how they and drama practitioners from different cultures, times and locations communicate meaning and intent through drama.

Levels 9 and 10

Levels 9 and 10 Description

In Levels 9 and 10, students develop more sophisticated approaches to making and responding to drama independently, in small groups, and with their teachers and communities. They continue to explore drama as an art form through improvisation, scripted drama, rehearsal and performance.

Students refine and extend their understanding and use of role, character, relationships and situation. They...

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Levels 9 and 10 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Improvise with the elements of drama and narrative structure to develop ideas, and explore subtext to shape devised and scripted drama (VCADRE040)
    Elaborations
    1. communicating meaning through realistic and non-realistic performance styles and dramatic forms by manipulating the elements of drama
    2. establishing aspects of the dramatic action as symbolic, such as a suitcase being a person’s memories, a light symbolising hope
    3. exploring the implied or underlying aspects of character and dramatic action
    4. using questions to frame devising process, for example, What personal meaning is intended? What political statement is this work making? How have you used critical theories about drama to make your own drama? What emotion was most strongly felt as you viewed the drama?
  2. Manipulate combinations of the elements of drama to develop and convey the physical and psychological aspects of roles and characters consistent with intentions in dramatic forms and performance styles (VCADRE041)
    Elaborations
    1. analyse and create performance highlighting subtext, dramatic tension, atmosphere and mood based on the story, setting, dialogue and stage directions
    2. apply the conventions of character in particular forms and performance styles, using research to develop understanding of the conventions and refining use of relevant techniques
    3. using questions to build an understanding of ways context can influence creative choices, for example, how does the drama relate to the social context in which it was created? What culturally symbolic movements are evident in this drama? What historical influences might be evident in contemporary drama created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples? How are global trends in drama influencing Australian drama?

Drama Practices

  1. Practise and refine the expressive capacity of voice and movement to communicate ideas and dramatic action in a range of forms, styles and performances spaces (VCADRD042)
    Elaborations
    1. adapting expressive voice and movement skills for performance of different forms and styles and to enhance actor-audience relationships
    2. conveying through voice and movement the tensions in stories, ideas, characters, relationships, actions, and dialogue to engage audiences
    3. exploring, reworking and refining the dramatic action through rehearsal and hone expressive performance skill to enhance actor-audience relationships
    4. exploring and rehearsing forms and styles recognised as contemporary styles, for example, work with practitioners to explore contemporary styles used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dramatists
  2. Structure drama to engage an audience through manipulation of dramatic action, forms and performance styles and by using design elements (VCADRD043)
    Elaborations
    1. learning and applying basic concepts for interpreting texts and contexts, directing dramatic action, and using available technologies
    2. focusing and strengthening the dramatic action by manipulating pace in movement and dialogue, cues, vocal tone, physical proximity between characters and transitions
    3. structuring the performance space to convey dramatic meaning and sense of style for an audience
    4. exploring realistic, non-realistic, innovative and hybrid dramatic forms and performance styles
    5. using questions to guide play-making process when devising drama, for example, What personal meaning is intended? What political statement is this work making? How have you used critical theories about drama to make your own drama? What emotion do you want the audience to feel?

Present and Perform

  1. Perform devised and scripted drama making deliberate artistic choices and shaping design elements to unify dramatic meaning for an audience (VCADRP044)
    Elaborations
    1. working collaboratively as a member of a creative team to direct the blocking and staging of dramatic action to communicate intended meaning(s) for an audience
    2. exploring the impact of design elements and technology on dramatic meaning by using costumes, props, sound, multimedia and lighting, and considering impact of drama they view and evaluating options for their own work
    3. using evaluative questions to maintain a focus on creative aims and intentions, for example, at critical stages through the play-making processes asking a series of questions such as ‘How are the elements of drama being used to convey ideas? How are materials manipulated in this drama? How are the director and performers shaping skills and processes to make and communicate meaning? How are design elements being used?

Respond and Interpret

  1. Evaluate how the elements of drama, forms and performance styles in devised and scripted drama to convey meaning and aesthetic effect (VCADRR045)
    Elaborations
    1. analysing how the elements of drama are manipulated to focus the dramatic action for audiences and using this information to refine drama they make
    2. evaluating how the features and conventions of forms and styles create dramatic meaning and theatrical effect
    3. evaluating how ideas and emotions shape the expressive qualities and staging of forms and styles in their own and others’ drama
    4. considering how drama theory has been used in creating and performing the text
    5. using questions as the basis for an evaluative discussion, for example, ‘How successful were the actors and director in conveying the playwright’s stated intent? How successfully have the design elements been incorporated into the drama?’
  2. Analyse a range of drama from contemporary and past times, including the drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to explore differing viewpoints and develop understanding of drama practice across local, national and international contexts (VCADRR046)
    Elaborations
    1. evaluating conventions from past forms and styles to consider how these can be incorporated into own drama and contemporary practice, for example, ‘How successful were the actors and director in conveying the playwright’s stated intent? How successfully have the design elements been incorporated into the drama?
    2. identifying and describing the actor-audience relationship in different dramatic contexts, forms and styles
    3. linking conventions from different forms with purposes, origins and contexts
    4. identifying the impact of media, and social and technological changes on drama practice, for example, interactions between kinaesthetic and visual aspects of dance in forms that incorporate digital components
    5. interrogating the cultural and social roles and responsibilities of the theatre industry, recognising the power of drama in advocating for, and being a catalyst of change, for example, investigating how the work by contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and performers for television, film, circus and comedy is impacting on community understanding about issues such as land rights and reconciliation

Levels 9 and 10 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 10, students develop and sustain different roles and characters to realise dramatic intentions and engage audiences. They perform devised and scripted drama in different forms, styles and performance spaces. They plan, direct, produce, rehearse and refine performances. They select and use the elements of drama, narrative and structure in directing and acting and apply stagecraft. They use performance and expressive skills to convey dramatic action and meaning.

Students analyse the elements of drama, forms and performance styles and evaluate meaning and aesthetic effect in drama they devise, interpret, perform and view. They use experiences of drama practices from different cultures, places and times to evaluate drama.

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