11–12Drama 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

The Ensemble performance:

• is performed by no fewer than 3 and no more than 6 students
• is 8 to 12 minutes in duration. Ensemble performances that exceed 12 minutes will be in breach of examination rules. The HSC markers will stop performances that go over time.

When awarding marks for the Ensemble performance, the markers will assess the knowledge, understanding and skills demonstrated in each individual student’s performance, rather than the performance as a whole.

Students are required to individually document their contributions to the development of their Ensemble performance to show progress over time, including evidence of creative choices and the reasons for these choices.

Evidence from documentation may be used as part of school-based assessment. The documentation is not submitted for external assessment but may be requested by NESA to verify a student’s work.

More information about Documenting dramatic processes can be found in the Drama 11–12 Syllabus.

The teacher is required to act as a supervisor and facilitator for developing student work. Teachers or other advisers, such as outside tutors, must not assume the role of director at any time.

School principals have discretion to approve the use of an understudy. Reasons for this approval may include:

• when a member of the group is not regularly attending class and/or rehearsal due to illness or misadventure
• exceptional cases where group cohesion has irrevocably broken down and mediation has been unsuccessful.

Understudies must be another student at the school who is not in Year 12. A student acting as an understudy must not be involved in the development of the Ensemble performance.

When reviewing the need for an understudy after a student leaves a group of 4 to 6 students, school principals should consider whether there is sufficient time remaining to adjust the piece around the remaining students. This should be considered on a case-by-case basis and involve consultation with the Drama teacher and affected students.

If the use of an understudy is approved by the principal, this must be communicated to NESA by the end of Week 1, Term 3 of the HSC year by contacting:

Drama Coordinator
Marking and Quality NESA
Email: hscpracticals@nesa.nsw.edu.au

To seek advice about approving the use of an understudy after Week 1 of Term 3, the principal should contact the Marking and Quality branch on (02) 8839 6100.

For the Ensemble performance, schools with an HSC Drama class of less than three students must use students (or a student) from the school who are not Year 12 students to create a group of no more than three. Additional students must not contribute to the development of the Ensemble performance.

Small candidature schools do not need to apply to NESA for approval to provide additional students, if required. However, where one or more additional students are being used for an Ensemble performance, the principal should inform NESA by Week 1, Term 3 of the HSC year by contacting:

Drama Coordinator
Marking and Quality NESA
Email: hscpracticals@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Marking guidelines for the Ensemble performance will be available to download from the Teaching and learning support tab.

Students must work within the requirements of their chosen Individual project as described below. The Individual project options are:

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

Students are required to document the development of their Individual project to show progress over time, including evidence of creative choices and the reasons for these choices.

Evidence from documentation may be used as part of school-based assessment. The documentation is not submitted for external assessment but may be requested by NESA to verify a student’s work.

More information about Documenting dramatic processes can be found in the Drama 11–12 Syllabus.

This project is based on one of the works listed in the HSC Drama prescriptions for Individual projects and consists of:

• costume renderings for at least 2 different characters (a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 6 costume renderings in total)
• written descriptions of the renderings (up to 150 words each) that justify the creative intent
• preliminary sketches of 4 other costumes required for the production
• fabric swatches and/or colour samples attached to each rendering with any relevant special construction information.

Renderings

The renderings for costume design can be in media such as watercolour, coloured pencils or markers, collage or a digitally produced design submitted as hard copy.

For renderings that are digitally produced, digital images must be printed for submission to NESA.

Mounting and size requirements

Costume designs should be submitted on a simple, unframed cardboard mount. Glass is not permitted.

The renderings for each character must be separately mounted on cardboard at least A3 size (297 × 420 mm), but no larger than A1 (594 × 841 mm). The figures depicted should be at least 300 mm in height. All characters rendered and the scenes in which they appear must be identified.

This project is to be submitted physically. For more information, see Examination logistics.

This project is based on one of the works listed in the HSC Drama prescriptions for Individual projects. The project may be for a real or hypothetical theatre company and consists of:

• a poster that is a colour rendering of at least A3 (297 × 420 mm or 2339 × 3307 pixels) size but no larger than A1 (594 × 841 mm or 4684 × 6622 pixels). The design may be digitally produced or rendered by hand and submitted online
• a flyer which includes 150 words of promotional copy
• a program that contains:
  • a profile of the theatre company and its target audience (up to 150 words)
  • information about the playwright (up to 150 words)
  • information about the history of the play (up to 150 words)
  • a note from the director that outlines the directorial vision and supports the promotional concept’s creative intent (up to 500 words)
  • any other information relevant to the production
  • images that support the promotional concept.

Designs and promotional copies for a school production must not be used.

Image quality

The submitted components need to be of sound image quality to support marker identification of visual features and text readability. Higher resolution visuals will not influence the allocation of marks.

This project is to be submitted online. For more information, see Examination logistics.

This project is based on one of the works listed in the HSC Drama prescriptions for Individual projects. This project consists of:

• a set design for an established and known performance space
• a 3D model built to a scale of 1:25 or digitally produced design submitted as hard copy. The digitally produced design must be a precise miniature or representation of the stage and setting and should include human figures to convey proportion. The model must be a fixed assembly, of sturdy construction, and should be able to be transported and marked without risk of damage. The packaged weight of the project must not exceed 15 kilograms
• a floor plan of the set design in the scale of 1:25 with an indication of the performance space dimensions, audience configuration and sightlines
• a written description (up to 400 words) that justifies the creative intent and outlines key set or scenic changes, which may include diagrams.

This project is to be submitted physically. For more information, see Examination logistics.

This project is based on one of the works listed in the HSC Drama prescriptions for Individual projects.

It requires the creation and communication of a directorial vision for the production of the selected prescribed work. The folio should integrate dramatic and theoretical elements, justify creative intent and consist of:

• descriptions and explanations of key dramatic, theatrical and design elements
• an analysis of the work and discussion of the research that has influenced the ideas for the production
• a justification of the design concepts for the set, costumes and lighting
• a discussion of the approach to working with actors in rehearsal
• an explanation of the intended experience for the audience
• a reference list that acknowledges any sources used in the folio.

The submitted folio should be between 3000 and 3500 words in length. The folio must be word processed with double spacing and use Arial or Times New Roman in font size 12.

Students may include cited or original images relating to conceptual, design or production features where the purpose of their inclusion is clear. The reference list does not contribute to the overall word count.

Annotated scripts are not submitted for this project.

This project is to be submitted online. For more information, see Examination logistics.

This project consists of an individual performance of 6 to 8 minutes duration based on:

• excerpts or a combination of excerpts from one or more scripts or dramatised texts, or the student’s own self-devised material
• demonstration of directorial vision and creative intent through the realisation of role and/or character.

Performances that exceed 8 minutes will be in breach of examination rules. The HSC markers will stop performances that go over time.

The performance will be presented to the markers on the same occasion as the examination of the Ensemble performance.

Use of excerpts

Students may select to use excerpts from an existing script linked with student-devised work. Where a student has adapted or reinterpreted the work of another creator for their performance, they must acknowledge sources as part of the requirements for academic honesty in the HSC.

Use of HSC course prescriptions

Students must not use material for works studied as part of Australian drama and theatre, Approaches to drama and theatre, or any other of their other HSC courses.

Musicals and/or musical theatre

Students may select repertoire from a musical theatre style for their performance. However, the focus should be on the realisation of a role and/or character rather than musical aspects.

The teacher and the role of director

The teacher is required to act as a supervisor and facilitator for developing student work. Teachers or other advisers, such as outside tutors, must not assume the role of director at any time.

This project consists of:

• a script for a complete play for live performance, which is approximately 15 minutes running time (15 to 25 A4 pages)
• demonstration of creative intent through the application of dramatic language and features
• stage directions to show practicability for live performance, and a character or role list.

Where a student has adapted the work of another creator for their script, they must acknowledge sources as part of the requirements for academic honesty in the HSC.

The script must be word processed with double spacing and use Arial or Times New Roman in font size 12.

This project is to be submitted online. For more information, see Examination logistics.

This project consists of:

• a short film that is a narrative developed by the student
• demonstration of directorial vision and creative intent through the application of dramatic, narrative and production elements
• a digital file of 5 to 7 minutes in length and submitted on a flash drive. The file format should be AVI, MP4 or WMV.

Where a student has adapted or reinterpreted the work of another creator for the short film, they must acknowledge sources as part of the requirements for academic honesty in the HSC.

The short film must be:

• able to be viewed directly from the flash drive (any associated applications must run on current Apple or Windows operating systems directly from the flash drive)
• designed for playback requiring no specialist hardware or software
• tested to ensure playback is enabled. A different computer than that used to develop the work should be used for testing.

Use of actors

When selecting actors for the short film, teachers and students are advised to use Year 11 or Year 10 students from the student's school where possible. Year 12 students must not be used as actors. Students should not act in their own short film.

Director of photography

Directorial vision includes being responsible for framing of dramatic action, shot selection, camera movement, focus, lighting, sound capture etc. Where other students are used to operate a camera, for example in a 2-camera shot, the student must maintain control over the directorial vision.

Credits

The short film should include credits where students can acknowledge sources and other contributions to the project. Any use of appropriated or outsourced material should be in keeping with the conceptual intent of the work. Any such material should be kept to a minimum and students must acknowledge all source material in the end credits for the short film. The credits are included in the total running time of between 5 to 7 minutes for the short film.

This project is to be submitted physically. For more information, see Examination logistics.

NESA must be notified of Individual project options via Schools Online. Applications close in mid-July. Students may change their Individual project after this time via written request signed by the student, supervising teacher and principal. Email the request to:

Drama Coordinator
Marking and Quality NESA
Email: hscpracticals@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Students must not submit or resubmit a practical project, either in part or in full, that has been previously submitted in a previous year or in another Preliminary and/or HSC course. See ACE 2.5 HSC practical exams.

Marking guidelines for the Individual project will be available to download from the Teaching and learning support tab.

Drama students must complete and sign a Student Declaration Form for all practical examinations (submitted works and performances). The Student Declaration Form can be downloaded from Schools Online and states that the planning, development, content and presentation of the submitted work or performance is the student’s own work. Supervising teachers must certify the student’s practical examinations and sign each student’s Student Declaration Form.

For the purpose of certification, supervising teachers must keep documented evidence to validate the authenticity and integrity of a student’s work. Supervising teachers may draw on the student’s documentation of dramatic processes, as well as observations and discussions, to maintain the documented evidence of the student’s work throughout the HSC year. Documented evidence is not submitted to NESA, however may be requested in exceptional circumstances where the markers require further information or where non-certification is submitted to NESA by the teacher.

Judgements about students’ ownership of work should not be impacted by the provision of adjustments for students with disability during the development of the Ensemble performance and Individual project.

For further information about certification and practical examination rules, see:

• ACE 2.5.2 Certifying and submitting HSC projects, submitted works and performances
• Certifying HSC practical components
• Practical exam rules.

Some students with disability may require adjustments in the development of the Ensemble performance and/or Individual project. Decisions about adjustments can be made by the school in collaboration with the student and parents/carers. More information about adjustments can be found on the NESA website:

• Students with disability
• Adjustments.

HSC exam provisions program

Where a student’s disability impacts their functioning in the practical tasks, schools will need to apply through NESA’s HSC exam provisions program. More information about HSC exam provisions can be found on the NESA website:

• HSC exam provisions
• ACE 6.1 HSC exam provisions program.

Schools may also request that an examiner/marker be made aware of a specific impact of a student’s disability, so that a student’s disability can be noted when conducting the practical examination. The ‘Examiner/marker aware’ provision does not involve variation to the marking guidelines. More information about the ‘Examiner/marker aware’ provision can be found on the NESA website.

Drama Life Skills

Students undertaking Drama Life Skills are not required to undertake the practical examinations for Drama. Where it is meaningful and appropriate for students undertaking Drama Life Skills to complete a performance (Ensemble performance or Individual project: Performance) and be viewed by markers, schools should contact NESA’s Drama coordinator by the end of Term 2 of the examining year. Contact details can be found below:

Drama Coordinator
Marking and Quality NESA
Email: hscpracticals@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Performance examinations will be administered and marked at special centres or schools in August/September. More information can be found on the NESA website:
HSC practical exams.

Schools will be notified of their particular marking dates and times via Schools Online. Principals and HSC Drama teachers will receive an email when this information is made available. Detailed information for teachers preparing for HSC Drama performance examinations is provided to schools close to the examination date. Specific requirements for the examination may vary from year to year. As such, teachers and schools must ensure they follow the instructions provided by NESA for the examination’s current year.

HSC Drama teachers should have a Schools Online profile with appropriate access. They are also required to supply their email address to receive communications directly from NESA. Teachers should see their principal to ensure they have been provided with the appropriate access to their school’s Schools Online account.

Teachers should ensure they have the following documents prepared before the day of the examinations and available for markers:

• Drama Performance Exam Daily Schedule. More information can be found in the Drama Practical Preparation Guide via Schools Online > Downloads > Memos and Documents > HSC Practical Examinations Advice.
• Three copies of the Ensemble performance Photo Sheet for each Ensemble performance, which can be downloaded from Schools Online > Downloads > Memos and Documents > HSC Practical Examinations Advice.
• Illness/misadventure details if relevant.

The marking team will usually comprise 2 or 3 markers who will wear an official NESA ID card with their photograph displayed. Other NESA officers may also attend for part or the entire program, and will identify themselves to the school on arrival. Teachers must ensure that students are well briefed about how the performance examinations will be conducted.

Student identification occurs before each Ensemble performance. Students will line up in the order of photographs on the group photo sheets. Students wearing the same costumes should attach something, such as a coloured band, to assist identification. If students are to change costumes during the performance, the markers should be informed.

The school may provide a student audience for all Ensemble performances and Individual project: Performance. The audience must not exceed 30 students. Members of the public and HSC students in any course are not permitted to be part of the audience. Teachers must be present to supervise students, crew and the audience throughout the examination and to ensure there are no interruptions or disturbances. Supervising teachers must ensure that the examination is not recorded.

Costumes, sets, lighting, video, film, sound and technical support should be minimal in all performances and limited to those essential to a work’s meaning.

Teachers, ancillary staff, parents and members of the public must not be involved in the production in any way, with the exception of class teachers who may set and remove props where needed. Students who are not current HSC students may set and remove props where needed and/or operate lighting and technical equipment. There must be no prompts, reading from scripts, extra students on stage or additional students performing live music.

Schools should refer to ACE 2.5.1 Developing HSC practical exams (Health and safety requirements) to ensure students’ performances comply with these requirements.

If a digital device is used as a prop or to play a backing track or sound effects in the examination, it must:

• be in flight mode and disconnected from the internet
• have an appropriate docking system or connection available in the examination room (itinerant centres only)
• be of good sound quality.

Where a student(s) intends to use a digital device, the student(s) must advise HSC markers prior to their examination and demonstrate that the device is in flight mode and the wi-fi is turned off. The use of technology should not delay the examination process.

The performance space will be:

• an indoor school venue such as a small to medium-size room
• free of noise or interruption
• arranged so that audience members are not placed directly near the markers.

Formal applications to NESA for illness/misadventure in relation to the HSC performance examinations cannot be made until the HSC performance date. For internal school assessment teachers should follow their school policy and guidelines.

If an Illness/misadventure application is sought on the day of the Ensemble performance examination due to the absence of a student, the school must advise NESA, and have all students in the group complete an Illness/misadventure form. HSC examinations will not be re-scheduled due to illness or misadventure.

For more information about practical HSC examinations see Understanding HSC practical exams.

For Individual projects submitted via Schools Online, each project must:

• conform to presentation requirements, as outlined above
• be submitted as a PDF file(s)
• have a completed Coversheet.

The Coversheet and further information about project uploads, including upload instructions and a checklist for teachers, can be found via Schools Online > Downloads > Memos and Documents > HSC Project Uploads.

For Individual projects submitted physically as hard copies, each project must:

• conform to presentation requirements, as outlined above
• have a Drama ID Tag attached to each item of the project (schools can download this via Schools Online > Downloads > Memos and Documents > HSC Practical Examinations Advice)
• be suitably wrapped with appropriate padding.

A Schedule of Submitted Individual projects form must also be completed. This schedule can be downloaded from Schools Online > Downloads > Memos and Documents > HSC Practical Examinations Advice.

Schools are responsible for ensuring that all projects are delivered safely to NESA and must meet any costs involved. NESA will return projects to schools during Term 4.

Further information about the submission requirements for Drama Individual projects can be found via Schools Online.

If a student’s Individual project is damaged prior to submission, the school should contact NESA for advice at studentsupport@nesa.nsw.edu.au.

For more information about practical HSC examinations see Understanding HSC practical exams.