Drama

Over many years, Downlands has developed a comprehensive and strong Drama program which caters for the interests of our students from Years 7 to 12. With our own dedicated Drama studio space and larger performance venues, the College is able to offer a broad Drama curriculum which fosters and develops the talents of our students. Downlands Drama students can be found as cast members of various productions in and around Toowoomba and many have successfully won Empire Theatre Foundation Youth Bursaries to further support their development as young actors.

All Downlands students study a compulsory Performing Arts foundation unit in Year 7. This unit introduces the students to some essential elements of classroom Drama. In the Middle School, Drama is offered as an elective for Years 8, 9 and 10, with units that focus on different styles and genres of Drama which appeal to our students and prepare them for our Senior curriculum. These elective units utilise the Australian Curriculum – The Arts syllabus and assess students across the Responding and Making (Forming & Presenting) dimensions of Drama. Students will develop their stagecraft, knowledge of the elements of drama and understanding of the use and structure of various dramatic styles and contexts. The students have the opportunity to perform both within the College and in the wider community.

In the Senior School, Drama is offered as an Authority subject and the two-year course of study contributes towards both a student’s QCE and ATAR. The Senior Drama program at Downlands challenges our young actors and extends and refines their skills and knowledge across all three dimensions of Drama. The students engage in learning experiences which see them work as directors, writers, actors and critical thinkers across a wide range of styles and genres. Senior Drama students have the opportunity to view live theatre both at the Empire Theatre and in Brisbane, at various points during their studies. Each year, professional actors and theatre companies visit and provide workshops and master classes for our students.

Downlands Drama not only provides the opportunity for students to develop a lifelong love of Drama but to also pursue a career in Drama and complete further studies at a tertiary level. Full details and information on the curriculum and units offered in Drama can be found in the Middle or Senior School subject selection handbooks.