Drama Level 1
DRA1 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mr L. Devery.
Recommended Prior LearningDrama in Year 10 is ideal, but if you are willing to participate fully 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. Students have the opportunity to choose between Drama Achievement Standards and Performing Arts Technology Unit Standards.
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 are available for students with an interest in this aspect of Theatre. These include units in Props and Scenic Elements, Lighting, Sound, Costuming, Makeup, and Working at Heights.
Course Overview
Term 1
Devising Drama - Students will collaborate to devise an original performance
Theatre Form & Devised Drama
or
Student Choice of a Performing Arts Technology standard.
Term 2
Participate in a Scripted Drama - students select short scenes from a range of plays to showcase their learning.
or
Student Choice of a Performing Arts Technology standard.
Term 3
Theatre Aotearoa
or
Student Choice of a Performing Arts Technology standard.
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.
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.
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/StationeryStudents should have ‘Performance Blacks’ – black t-shirt and pants to be worn for assessment pieces.
A clearfile or document wallet
Is usually at least one trip to see live theatre. This is subsidised by the department, however, a student contribution may be requested.