Havergal College Course Calendar, 2017-18 Academic Year

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DRAMATIC ARTS
The Middle School and Senior School drama programs
at Havergal are designed to provide students with
opportunities to develop their personal attributes, technical
skills, knowledge of theatre and abilities in public speaking,
presenting and performing. Methods and strategies
for learning include class exercises and performances
(improvisation, mime, the analysis of performance style and
the development of acting technique), written reflections,
script writing, historical and theoretical study and theatrical
production. In the intermediate grades, the focus is
on activities and reflections that provide a supportive
environment in which a young woman can develop her self
concept and her expressive skills. As she moves into the
senior grades, the student is encouraged to deepen her
awareness of theatrical traditions, strengthen her technical
skills and broaden her ability to work creatively and
collaboratively.
The courses offered in drama follow a progression.
Students learn basic drama skills and build an
understanding of the characteristics of conventional and
experimental theatre through study and performance. The
program is enhanced by student productions in class and
by optional participation in plays presented in the fully
equipped Legacy Theatre each year, including the Middle
School/Havergal Youth Theatre play, the Senior School
play and the Senior School One Act Plays. Students are
invited to audition for Crescent School’s production, which
provides an additional opportunity to perform in a full
length play.
GRADE 7
GRADE 7 DRAMA
This course is designed to foster a student’s self-
confidence and ability to focus her energy as she
develops a range of expressive skills and an increasing
awareness of others. Units include concentration and
movement exercises, mime, tableaux, scene development
and physical theatre.
GRADE 8
GRADE 8 DRAMA
The emphasis of this course is on characterization
and concentration. Through writing and memorizing
monologues, as well as participating in elaborate process
dramas, the students present fully developed, thoughtful
“characters” to their classmates. The basics of set and
lighting design will also be taught.
GRADE 9
ADA1O – Drama, Grade 9, Open
1 CREDIT
This course provides opportunities for students to explore
dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a
wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the
elements of drama to examine situations and issues that
are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform,
discuss, and analyse drama, and then reflect on the
experiences to develop an understanding of themselves,
the art form, and the world around them.
GRADE 10
ADA2O – Drama, Grade 10, Open
1 CREDIT
This course provides opportunities for students to
explore dramatic forms, conventions, and techniques.
Students will explore a variety of dramatic sources from
various cultures and representing a range of genres.
Students will use the elements of drama in creating and
communicating through dramatic works. Students will
assume responsibility for decisions made in the creative
and collaborative processes and will reflect on their
experiences.