Course Overviews MYP Drama Course, UWC Thailand 2020-2021

All units taught in grades 6 to 10 are continuously being developed and improved to best meet the needs of the students at UWCT. Therefore, the following overview is only a reflection of current plans for the course. Some
changes to these course overviews may occur as a result of planning done throughout the academic year.

Grade Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To learning skills Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
and Title Related taught / learnt / developed in
Concepts this unit

6 1: Voice Through Communication Personal and Factual​: ​What are the components of effective Communication Student will learn about physical voice. They will explore traits of effective public speaking.
Speech: Cultural Exploring personal and cultural communication? Social Students will develop ideas into a structured script. Students will reflect on how they feel about
Communication Audience expression expression using effective their voice and public speaking. Explore how communication works through the use of the
Unit Expression - Artistry communication skills with an Conceptual​: How will variation and range of voice and communication cycle.
audience. physical skills affect how we communicate to an Public speaking skills.
audience?​ How can anxiety impact our performances? Analysing scripts for better communication of ideas and audience engagement.

Debatable​: ​Does mindfulness help us to communicate We will inquire into the traits of effective communication through development of vocal, body
more effectively? language, and active listening skills.

6 2: Movement: Aesthetics Personal and Movement can be used to create Factual: ​What are the words we can use to describe Communication Students will learn about Laban movements, as well as the history of Marionettes​. ​Students
Physical Cultural aesthetics through careful movement? Social will explore different and textured ways of moving​. ​Students will also be able to subjectively
explorations and Composition expression composition and use of apt Self-management describe their quality of movement as well as those of others.Students will reflect on how they
control Expression - Creation expression. Conceptual: ​How can the study of movement be used to feel about their presentations.
communicate character? Movement vocabulary and Analysis skills. Interpretation skills. Transfer and application of
knowledge for presentation. Collaboration and teamwork.
Debatable: ​Can movement be used to communicate
different ideas by changing its texture/quality?

6 3: Movement and Creativity Personal and Consideration of genre in sound Factual: ​What are the different types of sound used in Communication Students will research history of mime as an art form and its practitioners. Students will learn
sound effects: cultural is important a contribution to performance? Social basic standard movements commonly used in Mime routines. Students will get to watch
Mime techniques Genre expression presentation and can be used Self-management professional Mime performers and subjectively describe their quality of movement as well as
Presentation for personal and cultural Conceptual:​What sounds are associated with specific those of others in the class. Students will work with the class as well as in teams to create their
expression. actions and how can these communicate meaning? own mime routine. Students will select and rehearse with suitable accompaniment and present
their work. Students will have opportunities to differentiate here in the level of complexity they
Debatable: ​Can the use of sound in performance confuse wish to attempt. Students will be assessed on their individual vocal, as well as team ability to
as opposed to, support understanding? effectively present their ideas to an audience. Students will reflect on how they feel about their
voice and public speaking.
Movement vocabulary and Analysis skills. Interpretation skills. Transfer and application of
knowledge for presentation. Collaboration and teamwork.

6 4: Voice and Aesthetics Personal and Personal and Cultural expression Factual: ​What are the characteristics of physical theatre Communication Students will learn about devising performances and practice devising using models studied in
movement: play cultural can be explored and and effective tableaux? Social class. Students will collaboratively create devised scenes that incorporate the skills of effective
script, production Presentation expression communicated through Self-management presentation/public speaking, distributing roles equitably among group members. Students will
elements Expression aesthetics of presentation and Conceptual: ​How can physical abilities (flexibility, explore using different stimuli for devising opportunities. Students will learn about production
expression. strength) determine the physicality of the tableaux? elements of costume, set, props, lights and sound design. Students will present their devised
scene. Students will reflect on the process of creation in their developmental workbook.
Debatable: ​Can plays be effectively performed without Movement vocabulary and Analysis skills. Interpretation skills. Transfer and application of
set? Are plays more effective when their performance knowledge for presentation.
relies on symbolism?

Grade Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To Learning Skills Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
and Title Related taught / learnt / developed in
Concepts this unit

7 1: Voice through Communication Personal and To communicate and present to Factual: ​What is an archetype? Communication Students will learn about physical voice and creating voice through movement.
Physical Work cultural an audience effectively, personal Social Students will define character in terms of what it does and does not encompass. Students will
and Personality: Audience expression and cultural expressions can be Conceptual: ​How can the traits of a character be defined Self-management discuss archetype and stylization in reference to characters. Students will create characters
Developing Presentation used to clearly define characters. and presented? from movement and vocal expression. Students will record what kind of character the student
Characters perceives him/herself to be. Students will demonstrate the traits of various personalities
through character creation.

Last Updated August 2020

1
 Debatable: ​Will an audience always be able to identify Create new scripts/texts.
Unit 2?? and recognise characters if these do not speak on stage? Develop dialogue skills.

7 2: Still Tableaux Aesthetics Personal and Aesthetics and composition of Factual: ​What are the terminologies used for staging a Communication Students will learn terminologies of a stage. Students will work in groups to research a religion
and Presentation cultural staging and scene creation, are scene? Social of their choice. Students will learn about tableaux and their dramatic uses in presentations.
of Stage pictures Composition expression all linked to personal and cultural Self-management Students will present their research with the techniques learnt. Students will reflect on the
Expression expression. Conceptual: ​How much can the actor do to communicate process of creating the scene as well as the application of skills developed for character
ideas without the help of production elements? presentation. Students will be able to able to subjectively describe their quality of character
playing, scene development, as well as those of others.
Debatable: ​Can​ ​gestures and body poses can Demonstrate their understanding of structuring factual research into dramatic presentation.
communicate universally. Create new scripts/texts.

7 3: Developing Perspectives Personal and Interpreting perspectives can Factual: ​What is to understand the context of an event? Communication Students will learn about structure in a presentation of a dramatic scene. Students will select
dramatic scenes, cultural help us to better analyse and Social and combine characters to develop scenes from last unit’s movement and vocal expression.
using different Audience expression understand how information is Conceptual: ​How does this ability to analyse and Self-management Students will discuss and consider the Context, Conflict and Conclusion aspects of the
perspectives. Composition composed and presented to a consider different perspective help with understanding presentation.
(Parodies) culturally diverse audience. and presenting information? Students will reflect on the process of creating the scene as well as the application of skills
developed for character presentation. Students will be able to able to discuss Dramatic
Debatable: ​Is it possible to consider all the perspectives, performance through the exaggeration of dialogue/body language elements with the rehearsal
yet remain neutral in our opinions, when analysing an and performance of their created scene.
event? Students will be able to subjectively describe their quality of character playing, scene
development, as well as those of others.
Students will demonstrate the traits of various personalities through character creation.
Create new scripts/texts.

7 4: Basic Stage Aesthetics Personal and Drama can still be effective in Factual: ​What are some of the different major religions in Communication Students will learn and practice basic stage fighting techniques. Students will research and
Fighting and cultural communicating Personal and the world? Social journal their findings on elements that are linked to different beliefs and cultures. Students will
Abstract Presentation expression cultural expression without the Self-management be given the opportunity to explore creating moving, abstract tableaux. Students will perform in
/Movement Expression use of production elements. Conceptual: ​How can tableaux be used for both abstract teams for both tableaux work as well as stage fighting. Students will examine how to diversify
tableaux and literal dramatic scenes? sources for research.
(Group Devised Practicing with teammates to create illusions of fighting on stage.
physical play) Debatable:​ Are 'symbols' universal, and is the use of a
narrator essential for the success of an abstract
performance?

Grade Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To Learning Skills Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
and Title Related taught / learnt / developed in
Concepts this unit

8 1: Voice and Creativity Personal and Exploring cultural and personal Factual:​ What are the origins of Greek theatre and how Communication Students will learn terminologies of a stage. Students will learn about choral speaking and of
Movement cultural expression through Greek choral has it influenced modern theatre practice? Social Greek theatre. Students will work in groups to write a rhyming rap of their choice. Students will
through Choral Presentation expression work to present a scene. Self-management create moving tableaux for their presentations. Students will journal on the process of creating
reading and Composition Conceptual: ​How can a Greek chorus be modernised? the rap and their work vocally and physically for choral presentation. Students will be able to
Group able to subjectively describe their own quality of choral work, movements as well as those of
Presentation Debatable:​ ​Are Greek Choruses still relevant in today's others.
time? Organise and practice choral speaking.
Vocal variation and expression.
Staging and choreography of moving tableaux.

8 2: Voice and Communication Personal and Students will discover creative Factual: ​What are the different categories of sound that Communication Students will learn to identify Soundscapes, Sound Effects and Soundtracks. Students will
Foley I: Creation cultural ways of communication, through are found in plays, television shows, radio programmes, Social collaboratively propose a radio play (6- 8 mins) containing a set number of components.
of a Radio Play Innovation expression innovation and interpretation of podcasts and movies? Self-management Students will collaboratively discuss and develop vision (explore how they plan to keep their
Interpretation sound with considerations of target audience interested and create atmospheres). Students will research the history of Foley
personal and cultural expression. Conceptual:​How would you create the different textures and its impact on theatre, film and TV.
of sound needed to communicate your ideas? Props creative use (musical instruments, voice and random texture of sounds).
Consensus building.
Debatable:​Will sound in all its manifestations, contribute Create new scripts/texts.
or take away focus from properly communicating a story? Develop speaking performance skills.

8 3: Voice and Creativity Personal and Creativity and conflict are Factual: ​What are the key elements of effective Communication Students will study improvisation through works of others (e.g. Improv Anywhere, Whose Line
Body through cultural essential to create effective improvisational acting? Social is it Anyway, etc)
acting: Presentation expression improvisation. Self-management
Improvisation Expression Conceptual:​How much planning do we need to be ready Students will practice improv using models studied in class.
Students will use creativity to for an improvised scene?
experiment with different Students will explore the concepts of dialogue, pacing, and role in the context of improv
expressions of conflict in order to Debatable:T​o what extent can the audience play a part in through acting and games
create and present effective an improvisation presentation?
improvisation scenes. Students will collaboratively create an improv scene that incorporates the skills of effective
presentation/public speaking, distributing roles equitably among group members

Students will present their improv scene to a live audience demonstrating their preparation and

Last Updated August 2020

2
 performance skills

Students will reflect on the process of creation in their developmental workbook.

Students will be introduced to improvisation with a variety of acting games to test their prior
skill development and contribute to a group defined understanding of what is needed for
effective improvisation.

Students will be given a variety of exercises to test the various elements of improv including
but not limited to character, pacing, time and place, motivation, and effective vocal/body
language communication.

8 4: Performance Communities Personal and Creating strong roles and Factual: ​What are the production elements that must be Communication Students will learn the process of staging a production
of a scripted cultural employing expression skills for taken into account when doing a play? Social Students will explore character creation through voice and physical work in collaboration with
play, staff Presentation expression the presentation of characters in Self-management the director.
directed Role a scripted play. Conceptual: ​In the creation of a role, how much Students will use production elements to help in their presentations.
contribution is expected of the actor? Students will consider the role of the audience during presentations.

Debatable:​ How can we ensure that the performance

captures the interest of the audience?

Grade Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To Learning Skills Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
and Title Related taught / learnt / developed in
Concepts this unit

9 1:Voice through Aesthetics Personal and Constantin Stanislavski's Fact​ual: Who was Constantin Stanislavski and what role Communication Students will research Stanislavski, and use this information in a workshop.
Method : cultural aesthetic acting principles can be did he play in the development of theatre and acting? Social Students will learn about managing voice, body and nerves during Public speaking,
Stanislavski and Audience expression used to create and present a Self-management Students will develop strategies for Memorization
Monologue Expression performance to an audience to Conceptual:​ ​How can an actor's emotions, use of voice Students will learn about performance of a monologue.
communicate personal and and body be used in the performance of a monologue? Students will rehearse and be directed by the teacher in a monologue performance.
cultural expressions. Students will use production elements to help in their presentations.
Debatable​: ​Is there a perfect equation of body language Students will provide constructive feedback, and useful suggestions to each other at various
and the spoken word, in the performance of a stages of rehearsals
successfully delivered monologue? Students will reflect on their own performances and review the presentations of others.

9 2: Voices and Culture Personal and How actors consider culture to Factual:​ Who is Laban and how can his work help create Communication Students will learn about Laban and how his movements are classified.
Blocking: Group Cultural present plays using their voice, character? Social Skills of an actor,; how to effectively use their: voice .
Scripted, Genres Presentation Expression blocking, emotions and text with Self-management Students will learn how to vary their movements and gesture to communicate character and
Expression reference to personal and cultural Conceptual:​What could be the considerations (artistic, objectives.
expression. artistic and technical) when staging a group scripted Students will apply previous knowledge of Stanislavski into their work.
piece? Students will learn the process of staging from page to stage.
Students will consider production elements in their presentations
Debatable: ​Is it essential that actors really incorporate Students will learn to be directors; Blocking and Production design
movement (blocking) into everything they do on stage?

9 3: Dramaturgy, Communication Personal and We will inquire into how Factual: ​How are 'Semiotics' and 'Mise En Scene' Communication Students will research and understand definitions and manifestations of Semiotics and Mise en
Directing and Cultural aesthetics and composition defined? Social Scene.
Performance Audience Expression influence a presentation to an Self-management Students will consider production elements with their knowledge of semiotics.
Skills Presentation audience, and how these affect Conceptual​: To what extent does Dramaturgy of Students will make suggestions as actors and co-directors of the play.
their understanding of the performance anticipate all understanding of the Students will learn lines and apply performance skills into this presentation.
This one is not characters and themes in a play. performance by an audience? Students will evaluate their own performance as well as the work of others.
on MB - Theatre
for change is Debatable​: Can performance really be only a series of
'signs' and signals to elicit 'audiences' reaction?

Grade Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To Learning Skills Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
and Title Related taught / learnt / developed in
Concepts this unit

10 1: Voice and Creativity Personal and Students will use the creativity of Factual:​ What are the origins of Chorus work and Communication Students will learn terminologies of a stage. Students will learn physical theatre support
Movement cultural physical theatre and voice for Physical theatre and how are these used in modern Social techniques and about choral speaking.
through Choral Composition expression composition of scenes to stage a theatre practice? Self-management
reading and Expression script. Students will create moving tableaux for their presentations. Students will journal on the
Group Conceptual: ​How can a performance using physical process of creating the rap and their work vocally and physically for choral presentation.
Presentation Theatre be understood by all audiences?
Students will be able to able to subjectively describe their own quality of choral and physical
Debatable:​ ​Can the use of physical theatre completely work as well as those of others.
eliminate the need for other production elements? Organise and practice choral speaking.
Vocal variation and expression.

Last Updated August 2020

3
 Staging and choreography of moving tableaux.

10 2: Voice and Creativity Personal and Students will experiment with Factual: ​What are the key elements of effective Communication Students will study improvisation through works of others (e.g. Improv Anywhere, Whose Line
Body through cultural different expressions of conflict in improvisational acting? Social is it Anyway, etc)
acting: Play expression order to create a devised play. Self-management
Improvisation Presentation Conceptual: ​ How should we 'plan' for an improvised Students will practice improv using models studied in class.
scene?
Students will explore the concepts of dialogue, pacing, and role in the context of improv
Debatable:​To what extent can the final performance still through acting and games
contain elements of improvisation?
Students will collaboratively create an improv scene that incorporates the skills of effective
presentation/public speaking, distributing roles equitably among group members

Students will present their improv scene to a live audience demonstrating their preparation and
performance skills

Students will reflect on the process of creation in their developmental workbook.

Students will be introduced to improvisation with a variety of acting games to test their prior
skill development and contribute to a group defined understanding of what is needed for
effective improvisation.

Students will be given a variety of exercises to test the various elements of improv including
but not limited to character, pacing, time and place, motivation, and effective vocal/body
language communication.

10 3. Voice and Perspective Identities and A theatre presentation can be Factual: ​ What is Forum Theatre? Communication Students will research Forum Theatre and the processes needed to devise and present a
Politics: Forum Relationship used to effectively discuss or Social piece of theatre in this genre.
Theatre: Politics Audience offer perspectives to real-life Conceptual​:How do we investigate issues and truthfully Self-management
and Devising Interpretation problems of identities and present this through an anti-model for Forum Theatre? Students will also learn how to gather apt and accurate information through survey and
relationships. research on performance stimuli
Debatable​:How effective is this Forum Theatre method of
discussing issues? Students will learn how to structure their devised material into a narrative, as well as apply
improvisation skills for when the 'spect-actors' replace the protagonist and act with the actors.

Students will apply their improvisation skills when the audience replace the protagonist

Students will evaluate their own performance as well as the work of others.

10 4: Scripted Communication Personal and A good performance uses Factual: ​What is dramaturgy, and what research needs to Communication Students will learn the process of dramaturgy and staging a production
performance, cultural effective expressions and be done when doing a play which has a specific theme? Social Students will explore character creation through voice and physical work in collaboration with
staff directed Presentation expression narratives and considers the role Self-management the director.
Composition of production elements to Conceptual: ​How can a performance communicate its Students will research, and take into consideration the themes or messages of the play.
communicate meanings and message? Students will use production elements to help in their presentations.
themes. Students will consider the role of the audience during presentations.
Debatable:​ How much say should the actor have in the
creation of a role?

Last Updated August 2020

4