Westlake Girls’ High School
Level 1 Drama
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Ms B. Cannan.
The year’s work will centre on drama creation, scripted performance and will provide a foundation for NCEA Drama in Years 12 to 13. Students will develop skills around acting techniques, Theatre Aotearoa as well as applying the elements and conventions of drama through their own devised work. They may use text, music, images, props and costumes as ways of creating impactful theatre and will develop their ability to reflect on their own progress as well as feedback constructively on the work of others.
Viewing live theatre is essential so there will be class trips to view performances. We do our best to keep costs to a minimum, using public transport where possible. These opportunities expose our students to best practice, innovative ideas and showcase the possible pathways in the performing arts. They also provide insight into differing social, historical and cultural perspectives to help build empathy for and awareness of how other people experience the world.
There is an emphasis on group work and strong attendance is required to ensure individual and group success.
Course Overview
Term 1
We study Theatre Aotearoa, looking at both the historical/social/political context as well as the work of a variety of New Zealand playwrights. This includes physical exploration of texts as well as finding out about the key tenets and values that underpin our unique theatre form.
This will culminate in a scripted performance in small groups. This involves building on our understanding of the form and context utilising the features of the form and our appreciation of the themes and values. There will be opportunities for students to gain feedback while also building their own skills in peer feedback.
Term 2
The focus for the term is on devised theatre, students work in groups to create an original piece of drama from a stimuli. This is the first opportunity for devising, and another opportunity will be provided in Term 3. That way the class can evolve their skills and understanding of what makes a successful piece of devised theatre.
Students will also begin a longer piece of scripted theatre to be performed in Term 3.
Term 3
The scripted work started in Term 2 will be performed in Term 3. This will extend their work with techniques and expose them to more of the technologies that are a key part of performance. They will have the opportunity to learn more about a chosen technology.
They will then work in new groups to devise and perform a second original piece of drama from a different stimuli. This will allow students to bring in their new skills and work with different people. They will also be extending their feedback skills.
Term 4
The students will be getting their work ready for submission for external marking. We will also look at other theatre forms to prepare for Level 2 study.
Recommended Prior Learning
Course Material Costs
Students will be required to attend a live theatre performance during school time. This cost is usually between $20 and $30.
Pathway
Drama increases confidence, teaches empathy, extends insight and provides wonderful opportunities to understand different social, historical and cultural perspectives.
Drama helps prepare students for careers in the performing arts, media and creative fields such as directing. These abilities also provide a sound base for management, teaching, marketing, medicine, and politics. Empathy is an essential skill when navigating in society as confident, robust, optimistic citizens.
Directly, Drama helps prepare students for work in the Performing Arts including back stage or creative careers like technicians, designers or directing.
Assessment Information
This course includes two units of significant learning. The first involves students working in groups to create original performances based on different stimuli. The second requires students to perform scripted text in groups. Evidence for both of these may be collected in different formats.Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Drama 1.2 - Participate in creative strategies to create a drama
NZQA Info
Drama 1.3 - Perform a scripted role for an audience using drama techniques
Pathway Tags
Actor, director, scriptwriter, make up artist, costume design, lighting design, set design, props design, Voice acting, Lawyer, teacher, Life Coach, Public Relations, Sales, Media,
Useful Links
Disclaimer
Courses will only run based on minimum entries
Selecting a course does not guarantee entry into this course
You may apply for an exemption if you do not meet the prerequisites of a course or if the course requires this for entry
Standards offered can be altered at the discretion of the HOF or HOD of the Department
Some standards in NCEA courses might be optional depending on student strengths
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