Welcome to

NCEA Drama Level 3 2010

 

Welcome to Level 3 Drama!  This will be an interesting year as you build on your understanding

and skills in Drama.  You will find that there is a choice of individual work at this level, which can

be challenging. 

The theory work is also more advanced.  However, with hard work and focus you should all be

able to achieve at this level.

 

This course aims to:

Develop your ability to use drama techniques to create character and dramatic meaning

Develop your ability to use drama elements and conventions to express ideas in a structured

performance

Explore theatre as an important reflection of, and influence on, society

Explore and practise production and design aspects of theatre

Develop your ability to use drama language to explore ideas, and to express your opinions and

understanding of drama concepts

Give you the opportunity to watch, appreciate and evaluate a variety of performance

 

 

We will study three play texts through the year and these will form the context and basis for all your

practical and theoretical work.  One of the plays you already know: The Crucible by Arthur Miller.  The

others are: Purapurawhetu by Briar Grace Smith and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.

 

In the second half of the year, you will have the opportunity to develop your own learning programme. 

You can choose from a range of achievement and unit standards that include acting, set and costume

design, external theory examinations, and scholarship.

Please note: If you are considering Scholarship in Drama, you must take the individual option for practical

work (except for the One Act Play Festival), as this will prepare you for Scholarship.  We will discuss the

requirements for Scholarship later in the year.  Please tell me if you are interested in attempting

Scholarship Drama.

 

 

 

Course Outline

Time	Topic	Brief description	Assessment
Term 1 Weeks 1-9   Term 2 Weeks 1 - 3	The play’s the thing!	Study the theory and practice of directing and production management for theatre.   Set and costume design principles.	Term 2 Week 3 AS90611v2 Research and carry out a performance or technical/production role in a significant production. 6 credits   Present research and preparation process for practical task. Direct /produce a 15-30 minute one act play for performance to an invited audience.  Week 3
Term 2 Weeks 4 - 11	Seaman’s Trousers	Study advanced principles of devising drama, concentrating on structure and characterisation. Experiment with the use of elements and conventions in the structuring of devised drama, based on historical items housed at Te Papa.	Term 2 Week 11  AS90609v3 Devise, script and perform drama for solo, duo or trio performance.  5 credits Devise and script a play for 1 or more characters and based on historical item/s.  Perform the play for an invited audience.
Term 3 Weeks 1,2	Purapurawhetu by Briar Grace Smith	Play study. Read and study play in preparation for use in further units of work later in year.	Week 3 Present written work on characters, themes and issues of play.
Term 3 Weeks 2,3	The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams	Play study. Read and study play in preparation for use in further units of work later in year.	Week 5 Present written work on characters, themes and issues of play.
Term 3 Weeks 4-7	Live  Characters Interpret script through use of drama techniques	Study and experience theories of body and movement, and the use of voice and space to communicate dramatic meaning. Choose scene/s from either Purapurawhetu, The Crucible or The Glass Menagerie to work with.	Term 3 Week 7 AS90608v3 Interpret scripted text and integrate drama techniques in solo or paired performance.   5 credits Perform a scene/scenes from chosen play using drama techniques to communicate dramatic meaning. Present evidence of research and understanding of characters and whole play.
Term 3 Weeks 8-10 and Term 4 Weeks 1-4	Social and political context   Production Concept	Prepare for external examinations: in-depth study of three plays as examples of Political Theatre: Maori and Feminist Theatre;  and American Realism: analysis of drama processes studied; and review of live performances experienced.   Complete tasks for US on set and costume design, using any of the set plays as a context.	Term 4 Weeks 1/2 Internal examination AS90610v2 Demonstrate knowledge of theatre form or period by analysing and interpreting two scripted texts   4 credits AS90612v2 Analyse drama processes in a new context and reflect critically on drama performance 4 credits Term 4 Week 3 US14954 Develop a set design concept and model for stage production 6 credits US14956 Develop costume design concept and presentation drawings for stage production 6 credits   External examination AS90610v2 Demonstrate knowledge of theatre form or period by analysing and interpreting two scripted texts   4 credits AS90612v2 Analyse drama processes in a new context and reflect critically on drama performance 4 credits

 

Resubmission and Attendance

This is a very full programme.  We will have no time for students to resubmit for standards not achieved

through the year.  Therefore, it is vital that you do not miss assessments.  If you cannot attend for

reasons such as serious illness or family bereavement, we will negotiate with the group for you to do

your assessment at an alternative time.  However, this cannot jeopardize the chances of other class

members and will only be done in exceptional cases.  If you know you cannot attend an assessment,

you must apply for an extension from your teacher in writing and in advance.  Serious illness

requires a doctor’s certificate.

 

Live Theatre Performance

As a part of this course you are required to attend at least three live theatre performances as a member

of the audience.  The external exam requires that each student is able to discuss more than one performance

they have attended.  The Drama Department will provide you with several opportunities to view live shows

through the year.  It is your responsibility to meet the cost of the ticket and the transport.  It is important for

you to attend other shows on your own as well.

 

Stationery and Uniform

You will need a series of exercise books or art books for your written work – one for each unit of work. 

We will discuss the written/visual requirements for each unit.

For all practical drama classes, suitable clothing must be worn.  This needs to give you freedom of

movement and can include PE uniform, shorts, track pants.  For all practical assessments you will

need to wear plain black/white/grey clothes suitable for the particular assessment (unless you are

in full costume).  Organise this well in advance.