DRAMA

Drama is an art form that explores the world through enactment. It is a collaborative art form that involves the creative interaction of individuals using a range of artistic skills. Drama is an important means of understanding, constructing, appreciating and communicating social and cultural values; interpreting, valuing and transmitting the past and traditions; exploring, celebrating and challenging the present and imagining the future.

In Drama, students can investigate, shape and symbolically represent ideas, feelings, attitudes, beliefs and their consequences. By studying this major art form students acquire skills in interpretation, communication, performance and critical analysis and become aware of the technical processes and the technologies that may be used to heighten dramatic presentation. In the critical study of drama and theatre students can recognise the collaborative contribution of actors, directors, playwrights, designers and technicians to production. They develop an understanding of the cultural traditions and social contexts of drama and theatre.

Drama provides a unique contribution to the personal development of students. There is a need to provide students with the understanding that Drama not only provides career opportunities but is an activity that can enrich their entire lives.

Drama "is an art form that explores the world through enactment" (Stage 6 Drama Syllabus, 1999). This is achieved through the practices of making, performing, appreciating and critically studying. Teaching programmes, therefore, emphasise the necessity for experiential learning - doing, creating, reflecting, working collaboratively and appreciating Drama and Theatre - both past and present. The programmes use the strategies of exploring, creating, performing and reflecting to enhance learning activities.