Create a detailed lesson plan for a Year 12/13 combined Drama class focused on stage combat using a script. Integrate the provided assessment rubric criteria: Safety, Use of Stage Combat, Performance, and Rehearsal Process, with performance levels of Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit, and Excellence. Include clear WALT (We Are Learning To) statements, success criteria aligned to the rubric, differentiation strategies for diverse learners (including ORS funded students and those with learning challenges), dyslexia-friendly reading options, and extension activities for advanced learners. The lesson should include plenty of physical activities, be highly structured, and link explicitly to NZ Drama curriculum and NCEA assessment standards. Incorporate the school values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Rangatiratanga, and Tūrangawaewae into the lesson plan structure and activities. Ensure the lesson promotes Mauri Ora through ako and supports student success with clear focus on learning objectives.

Title: Stage Combat Skills
Current Content:

Year Level

Year 10 Drama

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

15 students

Context and Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum for The Arts learning area, focusing on Drama for Year 10 students. It supports foundational NCEA Drama standards, particularly those introducing physical theatre skills and safe performance practices (for example, AS90989 - Perform a drama to an audience). The lesson emphasizes safety, rehearsal process, and performance quality appropriate for this level.

The lesson reflects the school values Ngā Uara o Te Arata’i:

Manaakitanga (respect and care for others) through safe and supportive practice.
Whanaungatanga (building relationships) by working cooperatively in pairs and groups.
Rangatiratanga (self-management and responsibility) by encouraging students to take care of their own safety and rehearsal focus.
Tūrangawaewae (connection and confidence) by creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable performing.

Additionally, the lesson promotes Mauri Ora through Ako — reciprocal learning that values everyone’s voice and experience.

Learning Objectives (WALT)

We are learning to:

WALT1: Understand and practise safe stage combat moves suitable for scripted scenes.
WALT2: Develop basic physical and expressive stage combat skills with control.
WALT3: Work together respectfully during rehearsals to improve our performance.
WALT4: Give and receive simple feedback about safety and performance.
WALT5: Think about how we can improve our stage combat and teamwork after rehearsing.

Success Criteria (Linked to Assessment Rubric)

Criterion	Not Achieved	Achieved	Merit	Excellence
Safety	Unsafe or careless during activities	Shows safe practice most of the time	Always follows safety rules; reminds others	Leads by example in safety; helps others stay safe
Use of Stage Combat	Struggles to perform moves safely	Performs basic stage combat moves correctly	Uses moves confidently and with good control	Performs moves smoothly with character and timing
Performance	Little expression or focus	Shows basic character and engagement	Expresses character clearly with emotion	Performs with confidence, emotion, and timing
Rehearsal Process	Minimal participation or focus	Participates and listens during rehearsal	Helps others and adapts when needed	Encourages group, gives helpful feedback, stays focused

Resources Needed

Script excerpts with simple stage combat scenes (dyslexia-friendly versions with clear, easy language)
Safe, open rehearsal space free of hazards
Soft mats for safety
Audio device for warm-up music
Printed assessment rubrics with simple language
Mirrors or video device for self-review
Visual cue cards showing basic combat moves

Lesson Structure & Activities

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation	School Values
0-5 minutes	Welcome & Introduction	Explain today’s goals (WALT), importance of safety, and school values—focus on Manaakitanga (respect).	Use simple language; display WALT on board; repeat key points.	Manaakitanga - Respect and care for others
5-15 minutes	Physical Warm-up & Safety Briefing	Gentle warm-up (stretching, breathing, balance) followed by clear safety rules for stage combat.	Use visual aids and demonstrations; slower pace for students needing extra support; buddy system.	Rangatiratanga - Taking responsibility for self
15-30 minutes	Basic Stage Combat Skills Workshop	Teach simple moves from the script (e.g., safe punches, slaps, falls). Use step-by-step demos and practice in pairs.	Break moves into small steps; allow extra practice time; use clear visuals and verbal instructions.	Whanaungatanga - Working together
30-45 minutes	Rehearse Script with Combat Moves	Students rehearse short scenes using learned combat moves with partners.	Provide dyslexia-friendly scripts; peer support; use oral prompts as needed.	Tūrangawaewae - Confidently taking stage positions
45-55 minutes	Peer and Self-Assessment & Feedback	Use simple rubric to give and receive feedback on safety and performance. Group discussion with sentence starters (“I liked…”, “Next time try…”).	Provide sentence stems; allow oral or written feedback; dyslexia-friendly formats available.	Whanaungatanga & Manaakitanga - Respectful feedback
55-60 minutes	Reflection & Extension Task	Reflect on learning through a short journal or voice recording. Advanced students begin creating a simple safe combat move sequence.	Option for oral or written reflection; extension for advanced learners to create and lead moves.	Rangatiratanga - Self-management and reflection

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

ORS funded / Learning Challenges: Provide close support or small group help, use buddy system, break tasks into clear steps, use visuals and demonstrations, read scripts aloud.
Dyslexia-friendly Reading: Scripts with clear fonts, larger text, coloured overlays, audio versions, and highlighted key directions.
Physical Needs: Modify warm-up and combat moves to suit physical abilities; allow seated or gentle alternatives.
Advanced Learners: Leadership roles, choreograph simple sequences, explore expressive or symbolic combat ideas.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Research basic historical or theatrical styles of stage combat and share findings.
Create and rehearse a short, safe combat sequence to perform for the class.
Act as rehearsal leaders or safety helpers, supporting peers.
Combine stage combat with other drama activities focusing on storytelling through movement.

Links to New Zealand Curriculum

The Arts | Drama (Level 6-7):
Students develop physical and vocal skills for drama performance, focusing on safe and controlled dramatic techniques.
Key Competencies: Managing self (Rangatiratanga), Relating to others (Whanaungatanga), Participating and contributing (Manaakitanga), and Thinking (Mauri Ora through Ako) are integrated throughout.
NCEA Foundation Drama Standards: This lesson supports foundational skills in performance, safety, and rehearsal process suitable for Year 10 students.

Summary

This 60-minute Year 10 Drama lesson plan introduces safe stage combat skills with clear, simple activities and language suitable for younger students. It integrates physical warm-ups, cooperative rehearsal, and reflection, aligned with New Zealand Curriculum values and foundational NCEA standards. Differentiation and dyslexia-friendly resources ensure accessibility, while extension tasks encourage leadership and creativity. The lesson fosters a respectful, confident, and inclusive learning environment grounded in Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Rangatiratanga, Tūrangawaewae, and Mauri Ora through Ako.

Stage Combat Skills

Teaching Instructions