Symbolism Scheme of Work

(ages 13-14)

This six-lesson scheme introduces students to using symbolism deliberately in drama. Through practical workshops and small-group devising, pupils explore how image, gesture, objects, colour and masks convey literal and abstract meanings. The unit emphasises creating atmosphere, developing character and extending plot through non-verbal choices and simple timelines (flashback/flashforward). Lessons are structured around active techniques—frozen images, repetition, mask work and symbolic movement—leading to a devised, recorded group performance for assessment.

What Students Will Learn

Students will learn to use imagery, gesture and movement as symbolic tools to shape character, relationships and plot. They will practise frozen pictures, gesture repetition, symbolic use of props and colour, neutral mask techniques and temporal devices (flashback/flashforward). The unit culminates in small-group devising: pupils apply the conventions studied to create and perform a short piece set to a musical extract, recorded for self-evaluation.

Week 1: What is Symbolism?
Introduces symbolism through personal representation and non-verbal choices. Students explore how an image, gesture and facial expression can represent aspects of themselves and communicate to an audience.
Week 2: Defining Symbolism
Clarifies literal versus abstract symbolic meaning using visual tableaux. Pupils use frozen images and emotional expression to illustrate and differentiate literal and abstract symbolic moments.
Resources Include
Powerpoint Slides
What is Symbolism?
Week 3: Symbolism in Performance
Examines how gesture and repetition affect audience interpretation, referencing Brechtian impact. The lesson uses the 'take a bow' exercise to explore repeated gestures and movement for effect.
Week 4: Colour and Objects
Explores how colour and objects carry symbolic meanings in context. After a Balloon Race Game warm-up, small groups use symbolic objects to devise a short dialogue scene.
Resources Include
Props
Black CrossBlack RoseGolden RingCutout BoxGolden Key
Week 5: Masks
Develops neutral mask work and considers costume as symbolic across a timeline. Pupils use neutral masks and employ flashbacks and flashforwards to construct a simple timeline for character action.
Resources Include
Props
Neutral Mask
Week 6: Assessment
Final assessment: groups devise and perform using all taught conventions to a musical extract. Performances are recorded so pupils can carry out self-evaluation and reflect on skills applied.
Resources Include
Music
Virtutes Instrumenti
Props
Black CrossBlack RoseGolden RingCutout BoxGolden Key