At a time when there is a focus on the development of youth confidence, mental well being and readiness for further study or engagement with the workplace it is interesting to reflect on the place of Drama in the New Zealand education system,
Chris Burton, Head of Drama at New Zealand’s Palmerston North Boys High School and long time Drama New Zealand supporter, has summed it up for the benefit of his students and their parents who are faced with a myriad of subject choices. Burton writes:
WHAT IS DRAMA?
Drama expresses human experience through a focus on role, action, and tension, played out in time and space. In drama education, students learn to structure these elements and to use dramatic conventions, techniques, and technologies to create imagined worlds. Through purposeful play, both individual and collaborative, they discover how to link imagination, thoughts, and feelings.
As students work with drama techniques, they learn to use spoken and written language with increasing control and confidence and to communicate effectively using body language, movement, and space. As they perform, analyse, and respond to different forms of drama and theatre, They gain a deeper appreciation of their rich cultural heritage and language and new power to examine attitudes, behaviours, and values.
By means of the drama that they create and perform, students reflect and enrich the cultural life of their schools, whanau, and communities.
WHY DRAMA?
Key Competencies / Life Skills:
Managing self
Independent learning
Self-confidence
Thinking
Developing creativity
Observational and analytical skills
Performance
Technology
Leadership opportunities
Source: http://stratus.pnbhs.school.nz/course/view.php?id=93
Drama Magic Ltd aims to support these goals through its provision of quality stage scenery to schools throughout New Zealand and through the drama related publications of Drama Magic’s Managing Director, Susan Battye. info@dramamagic.com
