Devising Original Concepts

Lesson Details

• Unit: Fiction Meets Reality
• Lesson: 4 of 4
• Year Level: 13
• Curriculum Area: NCEA Drama, Level 8 (aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum)
• Time: 50 minutes
• Class Size: 23 students

Big Idea

Drama enables the exploration of the past and how it informs the present and future. It allows students to examine experiences, perspectives, and identity through performance.

Achievement Standard Connection

• AS 91513 (Drama 3.2): Devise and perform a drama to realise an intention.
• AS 91517 (Drama 3.6): Perform a substantial acting role in a significant production.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Finalise their thematic interpretation and shape it into a performative piece.
2. Collaborate effectively to refine dramatic ideas using whanaungatanga (relationship-building strategies).
3. Perform a short scene or monologue with a clear dramatic intention.
4. Give and receive constructive peer feedback using kaupapa Māori principles such as manaakitanga and kotahitanga.

---

Lesson Sequence (50 Minutes)

1. Whakawhanaungatanga & Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

• Activity: "Embodied Themes" – A physical warm-up where students move around the space, responding to prompts connected to their devised themes (e.g. "Move as if your character has just learned a life-changing secret").
• Purpose: Engages students physically and emotionally, easing them into their devised process.
• Te Ao Māori Integration: Encourages mahi tahi (working together) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of ideas and space).

---

2. Refining Concepts (10 Minutes)

• Students break into their devised groups or work individually (if they are performing monologues).

• Task:

  • Revise their dramatic intention.
  • Integrate feedback from previous lessons.
  • Identify one key moment in their performance that highlights their theme.

• Teacher Role: Act as an onlooker, observing and offering prompts but without direct intervention (aligns with student-led learning principles in NCEA Drama).

---

3. Rehearsal & Scene Development (15 Minutes)

• Students rehearse their pieces, focusing on:

  • Vocal dynamics and physicality.
  • Clear storytelling and audience engagement.
  • Cohesion between theme and performance.

• Differentiation Strategy:

  • Fast finishers refine transitions and consider lighting or sound choices.
  • Struggling students receive peer mentoring where stronger peers provide constructive input.

---

4. Performance Sharing (12 Minutes)

• Format:

  • Small group performances—each piece should be under 2 minutes to ensure every group gets a turn.
  • Observing peers note one strength and one area for growth.

• Peer Feedback: Uses a structured "Two Stars and a Wish" approach:

  • Star #1: Something that was effective.
  • Star #2: A strong performance moment.
  • Wish: A constructive growth point.

• Alternative Participation: Students reluctant to perform may opt to workshop another student's piece through directed feedback (inclusive approach).

---

5. Reflection & Wrap-Up (8 Minutes)

• Whole Class Discussion:

  1. What new perspective did your piece bring to the theme?
  2. How did it feel to witness different interpretations of the same theme?
  3. How does feedback refine your approach to devised performance?

• Written Reflection (In Drama Journals):

  • One takeaway from their own performance.
  • How they contributed to others’ learning.
  • One thing they want to improve before the final assessment.

• Exit Ticket: Each student writes down one new performance choice (vocal/physical) they will apply in their next run-through.

---

Assessment & Next Steps

• This lesson informs the final devised performance (AS 91513).
• Teacher reviews Drama Journals for insights into student understanding.
• Students who need extra refinement can book a lunchtime workshop for targeted rehearsal.

---

Reflection for the Teacher

• Which students demonstrated strong leadership in their devised work?
• Were all students engaged in either performance or feedback?
• Did the theme remain clear and effective across performances?

---

Resources & Equipment

• Open performance space
• Props or costume elements (minimal, student-chosen)
• Drama Journals
• Cue cards with thematic prompts
• Timer for rehearsals

---

Final Thought

This lesson centres on student-led exploration, collaborative learning, and thematic depth—all fundamental aspects of Drama at NCEA Level 8. It is designed to be practical, engaging, and reflective of New Zealand’s diverse storytelling traditions.