School leavers’ uptake of drama has declined across all states and territories over the past decade.
In NSW, the share of Year 12 students taking drama has fallen by more than a third since 2016, with similar drops in Victoria, WA and Queensland.
UNSW Associate Professor Bryoni Trezise told TDA that students are “getting mixed messages about the value and the future” of subjects like drama.
So, what’s going on?
Background
For the most part, each state and territory has a different leavers’ certificate program.
However, many have common subjects, including drama.
Drama students’ final marks are based on a combination of results from a written exam and practical assessments such as individual monologues, group performances or improvisation, depending on the state or territory.
Why?
Research published in the Australian Journal of Education this year found that 40 creative arts courses were discontinued from 2018 to 2025, and more were heavily cut.
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Trezise, UNSW Associate Professor in performance studies, believes there are “parallel trends” at play, including uncertainty around the future of work and the Job-ready Graduates Package.
The scheme, introduced in 2021, increased fees for some areas of study, including performing arts, while reducing fees for areas like mathematics and engineering.
Govt response
A NSW Department of Education spokesperson told TDA drama “offers rich learning opportunities in collaboration and creative and critical thinking, preparing students for a wide range of careers.”
A Victorian Department of Education spokesperson said: “Fluctuations can occur depending on a range of factors” such as “student preferences, teacher availability, timetable constraints and the viability of running each class.”
A WA Department of Education spokesperson said drama “plays an important role in engaging and inspiring young people”.
The WA spokesperson also noted that drama enrolment increased from 2022 to 2026 by around 70 students in Years 11 and 12.
However, student enrolment data shows a decline in Year 12 ATAR courses.
A spokesperson for the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority said: “Schools decide which senior subjects they offer based on factors such as student demand, teacher availability and resources.”
“Students make their choices based on their interests, strengths and intended post-school pathways,” they added.
