The Minotaur Scheme of Work
(ages 12-13)
Overview
This six-week scheme uses the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur to introduce students to Greek theatre forms and practical devising techniques. Lessons combine soundscape, trust and improvisation activities with mask work (including a neutral mask) and physical theatre to develop characterisation, ensemble skills and performance. The unit progresses from introduction and exploratory exercises to devised scenes and a final assessed performance activity, with individual lessons noting Edexcel as the stated curriculum alignment.
What Students Will Learn
Students will learn key conventions of Greek theatre and practical devising methods: creating mood through soundscape, building character through trust and physical exercises, using masks (including a neutral mask) for stylised performance, and presenting devised scenes. The unit emphasises ensemble work, movement, mime, slow motion and split-scene techniques to shape tragic narrative and develop performance-ready material.
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- 6 detailed lesson plansA complete, practical teaching sequence for the unit.
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- Linked classroom resourcesResources, Props are included where they support the lesson sequence.
Week 1: The Choosing of the Sacrifices
Introduces the story and characters through soundscape and improvisation activities. Uses the 'Greek Market' soundscape and 'The Unlucky Few' improvisation to establish setting and character responses.
Resources IncludeResourcesTheseus and The MinotaurWeek 2: Meeting Ariadne
Assesses key protagonists through a devised interrogation on a TV chat show format. The lesson stages a performance assessment where characters are questioned in role to demonstrate understanding.
Resources IncludeResourcesTheseus and The MinotaurWeek 3: In the Labyrinth
Explores the feelings of Theseus and the fearsome Minotaur using trust and physical theatre. The lesson uses trust exercises and group physical theatre to develop character and represent the Minotaur.
Resources IncludeResourcesTheseus and The MinotaurWeek 4: Using Masks in Performance
Evaluates student-devised adaptations of the story using a variety of drama techniques. Students present and critique devised scenes to refine narrative and performance choices.
Resources IncludeResourcesTheseus and The MinotaurPropsNeutral MaskWeek 5: The Tragic End
Develops plot and physical expression through mask-based physical theatre. Activities include 'The Greek Sailing Ship' physical work and devising with 'Ariadne’s String' using masks.
Resources IncludeResourcesTheseus and The MinotaurPropsNeutral MaskWeek 6: Performance Assessment
Focuses on portraying emotions and action using neutral masks, slow motion, mime and split scenes. A neutral mask is explicitly included and used alongside slow motion and mime techniques.
Resources IncludeResourcesTheseus and The MinotaurPropsNeutral Mask
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