Performing Arts

This is an extension of the foundational skills learned in Year 7 Drama. Skills include different ways to create Drama, covering alternative theatre and dance styles. The course begins with improvisation techniques to enhance performance, developing their ability to create performances on the spot. Students then have the opportunity to study the pre-modern Elizabethan Theatre, re-contextualising a Shakespearean scene into a setting of their choice. Students will study Visual Theatre, where they will have the opportunity to devise a performance using multimedia and visual imagery. This will also include an introduction to Dance, where they will apply a learned piece of choreography to the performance. The final topic is Performance Analysis, where a professional performance is viewed and studied to analyse how professional actors employ the dramatic elements in effective ways.

Dance

Students explore the many functions of dance in the world, including cultural, social and performance. Students will develop dance technique, physical strength, flexibility and fitness, a basic understanding of safe dance practices as well as extend their knowledge of the major components of dance making / composition. This will culminate in the creation of a group dance piece and students will also devise their own music video. Students also have the opportunity to participate in choreography workshops.

Drama

The study of Drama provides a positive arena that encourages values of tolerance and mutual respect and invites the students to challenge themselves individually, academically, culturally and socially. This unit is aimed at further enhancing performance skills and techniques and developing knowledge of the distinctive conventions of theatrical styles. Students will interpret these to create and present Drama within social and cultural contexts. Understanding of content and aesthetics of dramatic performance are demonstrated through analysis of performance techniques and stagecraft.

In Year 10, students have the option of studying the following subjects:

Dance

The course exposes students to various dance styles such as Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern Contemporary and Street Dance. Students learn about safe dance practice, dance techniques and performance skills. Students learn composition skills as well as dances learnt from a choreographer. They will also develop their knowledge of dance terms and the creative arts industry. Students will have the opportunity to display their talents at various showcases, as well as other scheduled events.

Drama

Year 10 Drama focuses on devising non-naturalistic and eclectic styles of theatre, as well as scripted scene study. Character development, script interpretation as well as terminology, evaluation and criticism are also addressed. Students will learn about performance development processes, and devise, develop and present an ensemble performance for a public audience. Students will make and support judgments about the value, intentions and qualities of drama produced by themselves and others.

VET Options:

Students are able to apply for the following Performing Arts VET courses in Year 10:

• VET Certificate III Live Production and Services.

In Year 11, students have the option of studying the following Unit 1 & 2 subjects:

Dance

In this course students explore the potential of the body as an instrument of expression and communication. Students discover the diversity of expressive movement and purposes for dancing by exploring times, places, cultures, traditions and/or styles. They commence the process of developing a personal movement vocabulary and begin the practices of documenting and analysing movement. Through this work they develop understanding of how other choreographers use these practices.

Drama

This course focuses on creating, presenting and analysing a devised solo and/or ensemble performance that includes real or imagined characters and is based on stimulus material that reflects personal, cultural and/or community experiences and stories. Students apply play-making techniques to shape and give meaning to their performance. They manipulate expressive and performance skills in the creation and presentation of characters, and develop awareness and understanding of how characters are portrayed in a range of performance styles.

VET Options:

Students are able to apply for the following Performing Arts VET courses in Year 11:

• VET Certificate III Live Production and Services.

In Year 12, students have the option of studying the following Unit 3 & 4 subjects:

Dance

Students choreograph, rehearse and perform a solo dance work that allows them to execute a diverse range of physical skills and actions drawn from all movement categories. Students continue regular and systematic dance training and learn and perform a duo or group dance work created by another choreographer. Students analyse the realisation of their solo and the learnt duo or group dance work, focusing on the processes of choreographing or learning, rehearsing, preparing for performance and performing.

Drama

Students explore the work of drama practitioners and draw on contemporary practice as they devise ensemble performance work. Students explore performance styles and associated conventions from a diverse range of contemporary and/or traditional contexts. They work collaboratively to devise, develop and present an ensemble performance. Students create work that reflects a specific performance style or one that draws on multiple performance styles and is therefore eclectic in nature.

VET Options:

Students are able to apply for the following Performing Arts VET courses in Year 12:

• VET Certificate III Live Production and Services.