Thames High School Thames High School

Drama Level 1

DRA1
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr L. Devery.

Recommended Prior Learning


Drama in Year 10 is ideal, but if you are willing to participate fully and have great attendance then we will usually accept you. 


Level 1 Drama is a supportive, playful environment for students who want to celebrate/develop their confidence, their creativity and communication skills.

Drama is a practical subject, which means students learn by doing.

By physically engaging with form and content, our akonga build confidence in themselves, improve their performance skills and learn personal and interpersonal skills such as cooperation, communication, self-discipline and creative problem-solving. This mahi gives them the tools to represent their ideas, to engage with new ideas and explore their cultures and their histories. 

The programme offers first hand experiences of Drama related professions and encourages students to form professional relationships with industry professionals and potential employers. Wherever possible, students will have opportunities to perform in and out of school and to attend professional theatrical productions as a part of their coursework.

Alternative units in Performing Arts Technologies may be made available for students with prior knowledge and an established interest in this aspect of Theatre.





Course Overview

Term 1
Devising Drama and Theatre Form
Students will collaborate to devise an original performance
Theatre Form & Devised Drama
Students study a theatre form and devise performances in small groups using features of the form.
Common forms include:
Tragedy
Universal Mask
Larval Mask
Street Theatre
Shakespearean Theatre
Theatre of the Absurd
Clowning
Melodrama
NZ Theatre
Epic Dram
Commedia dell' Arte

Term 2
Theatre Form & Devised Drama Cont. (See Term 1)
External Exam prep - viewing and reflecting on Live Theatre
Introduction to Drama Techniques

Term 3
Further study of Drama Techniques, including use of voice, body, movement and space in a scripted context
External Exam prep continued - viewing and reflecting on Live Theatre

Term 4
Term 4 will be an opportunity to catch up on internal assessments.
For those who have chosen to do the external assessment, term 4 is for preparation for the external.

Assessment Information

For performance students:
There are 3 internal assessments for a total of 13 credits.
(There is the option of substituting a 5 credit Production Performance unit for those years when a school production is being mounted.)
There is the option to do an external assessment for a further 4 credits.

For Theatre Tech Students:
There are 5 internal Unit Standards worth a total of 19 credits to select from. It is recommended that the Tech. students attempt 3- 4 units.

Pathway

Drama Level 2

Drama at Level 1 has obvious links to entertainment industries( Film, Television, Media, Theatre, Festivals and Events) and careers in areas (Including: Directing, Acting, Stage Management, Lighting & Sound, Media Content Providers, model makers, and Event Management) . The communication and presentation skills advantage any student contemplating work in Performing Arts, Tourism Communications, Management, Law, Education, Service Industries or the Retail Sector. Drama provides a direct pathway into tertiary study.

Career Pathways

Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Film and Video Editor, Sound Technician, Film/Television Camera Operator, Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Media Producer, Production Assistant (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Lighting Technician, Actor, Artistic Director, Dancer, Entertainer, Model, Private Teacher/Tutor, Television Presenter


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Students must have ‘Performance Blacks’ – black t-shirt and pants to be worn for assessment pieces.

There may be a trip to see live theatre. We keep the cost down as much as possible.


Disclaimer

Courses outlined will only be available if sufficient students wish to take them AND appropriate staff are available to teach them.

Courses that do not run may be offered through distance learning and be supported by the Distance Learning Department.