Communication Scheme of Work

(ages 11-12)

This practical six-week scheme uses a range of drama techniques to explore how people communicate across time, cultures and challenging environments. Lessons investigate miscommunication and communication barriers, including exercises that consider disability and accessibility. Teachers will find ready-to-use practical forms such as frozen pictures, mime, thought tap and Teacher in Role, alongside physical theatre, mirroring and gesture work. The unit is augmented by simple music and props to stimulate creativity and support ensemble devising.

What Students Will Learn

Students will examine different methods of communication, how messages can be misunderstood, and how context or disability affects interaction. Across the unit they will practise non-verbal and verbal dramatisation, develop character through maintenance and gesture, and use ensemble techniques such as mirroring, frozen pictures and physical theatre to convey ideas using music and props.

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Week 1: Cave Paintings
No lesson focus is specified in the source scheme. Practical activities use frozen pictures, mime, thought tap, Teacher in Role, mirroring, gesture and physical theatre with music and props.
Resources Include
Powerpoint Slides
Cave Paintings
Week 2: Cowboys and Native American Indians
No lesson focus is specified in the source scheme. Practical activities use frozen pictures, mime, thought tap, Teacher in Role, mirroring, gesture and physical theatre with music and props.
Resources Include
Props
Cut out feather
Week 3: Communication at Sea
No lesson focus is specified in the source scheme. Practical activities use frozen pictures, mime, thought tap, Teacher in Role, mirroring, gesture and physical theatre with music and props.
Resources Include
Music
Sailor's Hornpipe
Powerpoint Slides
Phonetic Alphabet
Week 4: Disability and Communication
No lesson focus is specified in the source scheme. Practical activities use frozen pictures, mime, thought tap, Teacher in Role, mirroring, gesture and physical theatre with music and props.
Resources Include
Resources
Location Cards
Week 5: Aliens!
No lesson focus is specified in the source scheme. Practical activities use frozen pictures, mime, thought tap, Teacher in Role, mirroring, gesture and physical theatre with music and props.
Week 6: Modern Day Communication - Assessment Lesson
No lesson focus is specified in the source scheme. Practical activities use frozen pictures, mime, thought tap, Teacher in Role, mirroring, gesture and physical theatre with music and props.