Aboriginal Dreamtime Scheme of Work

6 Drama Lesson Plans for Year 8 (Ages 12-13yrs)

This scheme of work explores the culture of Australian Aboriginals, drawing inspiration from their art, music and history. The story of the creation is introduced, as seen through the Aborigine eyes, with students miming and developing the characters of the animals at a watering hole using a class soundscape, tableau and symbolism. The origins of Australia serve as the backdrop for a discussion about how cultures may clash, with students devising a movement piece to illustrate this. Groups then use examples of art to devise their own pieces for assessment, performed to music.

This scheme of work includes examples of Aboriginal art and a piece of didgeridoo music.

Each lesson plan has clearly stated objectives and learning outcomes. They are structured to include introductory warm up, development and plenary sessions. A homework task is also included.

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This scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.

Lesson 1: The Creation

An aboriginal tale is introduced, with students first visualising and miming Australian animals and performing a soundscape of the earth’s creation.
Lesson 2: Developing the Characters

Different animals in the story are modelled and hotseated to draw out their vocal and physical traits, supported by mime and role-play.
Lesson 3: At The Watering Hole

The students re-tell the story to develop it further and create a tableau around the watering hole. Group work uses frozen pictures, slow motion, thought aloud and flashbacks to add depth to the scene.
Lesson 4: Origins of Australia

Groups discuss a piece of Aboriginal art and develop vocal and movement pieces based on their observations of aboriginal culture and belief system.
Lesson 5: Going Walkabout

The concept of Walkabout is explored and modelled through split scenes with mime and dialogue used at key moments.
Lesson 6: Assessment

Students develop a piece of physical theatre using music to demonstrate their understanding of the dreamtime story. A piece of didgeridoo music is included!