Storytelling Showcase

Year Level

Year 7 Drama (Australian Curriculum v9)

Duration

54 minutes

Unit

Stories of Country and Culture Lesson 8 of 8 – Final Performance and Assessment

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Perform confidently and expressively their devised scenes, demonstrating understanding of character, relationships, and storytelling techniques.
2. Apply elements of drama and conventions intentionally to communicate meaning and emotion to an audience.
3. Reflect critically on their personal growth and learning throughout the unit with an understanding of the cultural significance of storytelling connected to Country and culture.

These objectives align with the Australian Curriculum content descriptions:

• AC9ADR10P01: Perform improvised, devised and/or scripted drama using performance skills and conventions to shape drama.
• AC9ADR8C02: Evaluate and refine dramatic action to communicate ideas and meaning.
• AC9ADR8E02: Investigate drama by First Nations Australians and culturally responsive practices.

---

Success Criteria

Students will:

• Deliver rehearsed scenes using voice and movement to sustain audience engagement.
• Show clear understanding of characters' motivations and relationships.
• Participate actively in group reflection, articulating insights about their dramatic skills and cultural learning.

---

Resources Needed

• Performance space cleared for scene presentations
• Props or simple costume pieces brought or created by students
• Recording device (optional) for performance review
• Reflection journals or sheets for students

---

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Links
0-5 min	Introduction and Warm-up	Brief warm-up exercises focusing on vocal projection, body awareness, and focus. Teacher reminds students of respectful audience behaviour and performance etiquette.	AC9ADR8D01_E1, E2 (Develop vocal and body performance skills)
5-40 min	Final Scene Performances	Groups perform their devised scenes (3-4 groups depending on time). Each scene is approx. 5 minutes. Others observe as an audience and use 'warm feedback' - positive and constructive observations.	AC9ADR10P01_E1, E3 (Perform sustained drama, engage audiences) AC9ADR8C02_E3 (Using rehearsal feedback to refine performance)
40-52 min	Class Reflection Discussion	Whole-class facilitated discussion:

• What have you learned about storytelling through this unit?
• How did creating your scene help you understand connection to Country and culture?
• What challenges did you overcome in developing character or relationships?
• How might these storytelling skills help you outside drama? Students share oral reflections; teacher prompts link to cultural significance and empathy approaches. | AC9ADR10P01_E4 (Reflect on success of communication and dramatic impact) AC9ADR8E02_E3 (Empathising and ethical engagement with cultural stories) | | 52-54 min | Closing Remarks and Next Steps | Teacher summarises key learnings, thanks students for engagement, encourages further exploration of drama and cultural storytelling. Optionally assign a short written reflection for assessment of personal growth. | AC9ADR8C02 (Reflection as part of drama practice) |

---

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Introduction and Warm-up (5 minutes)

Begin with a group warm-up incorporating breathing, vocal exercises (projection, clarity), and full-body stretches to enhance concentration and presence. Activity examples include tongue twisters and group mirroring to reinforce ensemble focus.

Final Scene Performances (35 minutes)

• Each group presents their final devised scene developed throughout the unit inspired by stories of Country and culture.
• Encourage expressive voice use, purposeful gestures, and clear character relationships.
• After each performance, allocate 2-3 minutes for 'warm feedback' from peers and teacher emphasizing strengths and suggesting improvements respectfully.
• Teacher observes use of drama elements (character, tension, narrative arc) and cultural themes integration.

Class Reflection Discussion (12 minutes)

Guide a reflective conversation centered on the journey through the unit's themes and skills:

• What have you learnt about the power of storytelling?
• How did working on your scene deepen your respect and understanding of First Nations cultures and connections to Country?
• Discuss the importance of empathy and respect when sharing cultural stories.
• Encourage students to consider how drama skills are valuable in other contexts such as communication, teamwork, and confidence.

Closing Remarks (2 minutes)

Conclude by recognising students’ achievements and reinforcing the importance of storytelling as a tool to connect culture, history, and personal expression. Invite students to continue engaging with drama and Indigenous stories positively.

---

Assessment and Feedback

• Use teacher observations of performances against criteria: clarity of character, use of dramatic elements, cultural respect, and audience engagement.
• Document reflective discussion to assess students’ understanding of cultural storytelling and personal growth.
• Optional: Assign a written or digital self-reflection to consolidate learning for formative assessment aligned to AC9ADR10P01_E4.

---

Cultural Responsiveness and Sensitivity

• Acknowledge the significance of stories of Country and culture with respect.
• Reinforce ethical storytelling, informing students about Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights where applicable.
• Guide students to ask “Whose story is this?” and the importance of sharing stories with permission and respect, aligning with AC9ADR8E02.

---

Extension Ideas

• Record performances for a virtual sharing with parents or community.
• Invite a local Indigenous community member or Elder to watch performances or facilitate part of the reflection.
• Challenge students to reinterpret their scenes in a different dramatic style or to include multimedia elements.

---

This lesson plan ensures a culturally sensitive, engaging and curriculum-aligned final performance and reflection session for Year 7 drama students, encapsulating their journey through the "Stories of Country and Culture" unit with sophisticated learning outcomes and deep respect for First Nations storytelling traditions.