Sri Lanka Grade 7 Bharatha Natyam Syllabus

This syllabus is designed for students entering Grade 7, building upon their primary education and incorporating new educational plans and concepts. It recognizes the importance of adapting curricula to a changing world and emphasizes student-centered learning, encouraging students to actively participate in the learning process through research and exploration. The syllabus aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped with thinking, social, and personal skills.

Aims and Objectives

The Bharatha Natyam syllabus aims to:

• Develop knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes through co-curricular activities.
• Foster qualities of a good dancer and develop personality.
• Cultivate creativity and aesthetic appreciation.
• Encourage respect for national and international art forms and artists.
• Develop an appreciation for cultural aspects and traditions.
• Help students identify and develop their artistic talents.
• Promote balanced personalities and leadership qualities.
• Enhance social skills and understanding of the world.
• Equip students with conflict management and communication skills.
• Develop qualities of humanity and the ability to face challenges.
• Encourage appreciation and understanding of nature.
• Familiarize students with modern technology and life skills.
• Promote teamwork and positive relationships in multicultural societies.
• Foster physical and mental well-being.
• Encourage self-awareness and positive attitude development.
• Develop the ability to describe and critique art techniques.
• Promote exploration and new presentations through art.

Competency Areas

The syllabus focuses on developing competencies in several key areas:

1. Appreciating the Environment: Students study birds in their natural environment, expressing their observations and feelings. They also appreciate and describe folk dances associated with social customs, such as Koladdam and Karakam, and learn Abinaya (action songs) from primary classes.

2. Gesticulating Songs and Korvai: Students learn to gesticulate the actions of birds and present abinaya songs according to tempo and rhythm. They also design dance items for various folk songs, incorporating abinaya.

3. Presenting through Abinaya: Students learn and present basic exercises, adavu, anga betha, jathi, hasthangam, and dance items related to Bharatha Natyam traditions. This includes hastha vinijoham (mudra nirupana), bheda, fundamental adavus, folk dances like kavady and puja dance, and understanding the context and significance of these dances.

4. Describing Fundamentals and Concepts: Students study hastha vinijogas, explore information about Bharatha Natyam books and authors, understand thalas (rhythmic cycles), and learn the basic concepts of Bharatha Natyam and Kandyan Dance. This includes niruththam, niruththiyam, navarasam (nine emotions), music symbols, taandavam, laasyam, nirutha hasthas, and the physical code of symbols for adavus.

5. Identifying Cultural and Historical Background: Students investigate the historical background of dance, including the four vedas and the origin of natya vedam. They also learn about the history of kooththu traditions, such as kaman kooththu, and describe the costumes and makeup involved. Additionally, they explore folk dances like karakam and kavady, understanding their significance, musical instruments, and cultural context.

Additional resources for teachers are available online.