Level 1 Drama and Performing Arts (L1DRA)

Overview

Level One Drama and Performing Arts at Mount Aspiring College is a course designed to develop students’ skills and abilities in the communication of ideas through drama and artistic performance, to develop their understanding of the broader context of Performance, and to stimulate collaboration with others through the use of dramatic techniques and conventions.

Students of Drama and Performing Arts leave school ready to offer the workforce competent and effective skills in all forms of communication. They are problem solvers and able to find solutions, thinking on their feet. They are adaptable and not afraid to risk and fail as it is in the very failures they have experienced in the process of their learning that new and exciting ideas have generated.  They are able to work effectively in group and collaborative contexts, understanding how to maximise their own skills alongside the skills of others, making all work stronger. They are able to read people and situations with insight and adapt their responses according to the needs of what is immediately at hand. They are also able to be accountable as individuals, understanding through experience the effort and discipline required to achieve work that has an impact in the world. 

What will I learn?

• The course covers all four Drama Strands of the New Zealand Arts Curriculum.

• You will study Drama techniques and apply knowledge gained to roles you will perform. 

• You will study conventions of drama, and use dramatic processing skills to create devised performances.

• One of the performances you work on during the year will be performed publicly out of school time. 

• You will view live theatrical performances and critically analyse them. 

• You will reflect on your own work through verbal and written forms and grow to understand how identity, culture and perspectives are expressed through dramatic work. 

•  You will access Theatre Aotearoa and understand how our own stories help us to reflect on our Whakapapa. 

• Underpinning these practical elements is a desire to develop your ability to devise, produce, interpret, and perform, to a wide range of people, dramatic pieces that move, challenge and thrill the audience. You will be introduced to a range of styles of drama throughout the year.

Special note

The Department works under the umbrella of BOX THEATRE COMPANY. This allows a greater depth and wider context of learning, maximising all performance opportunities both within the school and the wider community. It also provides opportunities for students to gain further knowledge and leadership in the many and varied roles of professional theatre, both on and off the stage. Students can also study all behind-the-scenes areas in the specific entertainment technologies course offered as a stand-alone course.  

What should I have done already?

It is advisable that you have taken year 9 or 10 Drama. If you have not taken junior levels you are still welcome to take the course as it can cater for those with little experience. It is always advisable to discuss the course with the teacher in charge of Drama, Emily McRae, to ensure the course is right for you if you are unsure.  

Assessment outline - students will submit a total of 15 credits for assessment from a choice of 20.