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11–12Drama 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice
OverviewRationaleAimOutcomesContentAssessmentGlossaryTeaching and learning support

Assessment

HSC examinations

The external HSC examination measures student achievement in a range of syllabus outcomes.

The external examination and its marking relate to the syllabus by:

  • providing clear links to syllabus outcomes
  • enabling students to demonstrate the levels of achievement outlined in the Performance Band Descriptions
  • applying marking guidelines based on criteria that relate to the quality of the response
  • aligning performance in the examination each year to the standards established for the course.

Examination questions may require students to integrate knowledge, understanding and skills developed through studying the course.

The Year 11 course is assumed knowledge for the Year 12 course.

Some students with disability may be eligible for HSC exam provisions when completing the HSC examination.

Drama HSC examination specifications

Stage 6 - Year 12

The HSC examination will consist of a written paper worth 40 marks, an Ensemble performance worth 30 marks and an Individual project worth 30 marks.

Written paper (40 marks)

Time allowed: 1 hour and 30 minutes plus 5 minutes reading time.

The paper will consist of two sections.

Questions may include stimulus.

Section I – Approaches to drama and theatre (10 marks)
  • There will be one question that will require a response based on the student’s experiential learning of their prescribed practitioner.
Section II – Australian drama and theatre (30 marks)
  • There will be three questions.
  • One question will be worth 20 marks and require an extended response based on the student’s experiential learning of their prescribed works.
  • The other two questions may require students to refer to one or both of their prescribed works.
Performance examination: Ensemble performance (30 marks)

Students will collaboratively devise and stage an Ensemble performance which draws on the focus area: Approaches to drama and theatre.

The performance will be 8 to 12 minutes in duration and is performed by no fewer than 3 and no more than 6 students.

Individual project (30 marks)

Students will submit an original Individual project in one of the following dramatic forms:

  • Design (costume OR promotion OR set)
  • Director’s folio
  • Performance
  • Scriptwriting
  • Short film.

All Individual project options are submitted works except the Performance, which is a performance examination.

Further information

Stage 6 - Year 12