Whangarei Girls’ High School Whangarei Girls’ High School

Level 2 Drama

2DRA
Course Description

At the start of this course, students will enjoy a short unit focused on developing group cohesion using advanced theatre games and warm-up activities. They will use theatre presentation skills throughout the year, beginning with a close study of the work of a particular playwright, which will include a detailed look at changes in New Zealand society over the period of the 20th century and, particularly the late 70s to the early 90s. Depending on the willingness of the class, it is likely that this initial unit of work will result in a performance of the play studied, worth 5 credits. For this to happen, students will need to commit to rehearsals outside of normal school hours.

By way of RESEARCH, IMPROVISATION and/or SCRIPT WRITING, students will prepare an issue based presentation which they will PERFORM to a public audience. The public performance will require students to be available for at least 2 rehearsals and 2 performances outside of normal school hours. 

In conjunction with the performances, students will have the opportunity to further develop their use of STAGE TECHNOLOGIES such as lighting, sound, set, costume and make-up. There will be a strong focus on the USE OF VOICE, BODY, MOVEMENT and SPACE during a DRAMA TECHNIQUES UNIT that also involves performance of a scene to an audience.

Learning Opportunities

In this course you will need to:

Develop these skills:Explore this content:
  • Creativity.
  • The study of a New Zealand playwright. 
  • Personal confidence.
  • Social issues relevant to the students .
  • Collaborative group skills.
  • Drama techniques.
  • Physical, emotional and behavioural self-awareness.
  • A range of plays and playwrights.
  • Communication skills using voice and body.
  • Analysis of live performance.
  • Individual and collective responsibility.
  • Drama Creation.
  • Self discipline.
  • Theatre form or genre.
  • Technology literacy.
  • Technical production.
  • Script writing skills.
  • Rehearsal and performance.

  • Flexibility.

  • Initiative.

  • Productivity.


 

Year Levels/Departments:

Drama, Seniors


Assessment Information

NCEA standards offered:
ALL DO:
A.S. 91213 v2 Drama 2.1 - Apply drama techniques in a scripted context
A.S. 91217 v2 Drama 2.5 - Examine the work of a playwright
A.S. 91219 v2 Drama 2.7 - Discuss drama elements, techniques, conventions and
technologies within live performance (External)

*A.S. 91513 v2 Drama 3.2 - Devise and perform a drama to realise a concept

*The 5 Level 3 credits for this unit will be parked until 2025

OPTIONAL:
*AS 91218 Drama 2.6 Perform a substantial acting role in a scripted production
AS 91220 Drama 2.8 - Script a scene for drama performance
AS 91221 Drama 2.9 - Direct a scene for a drama performance
A.S. 91215 v3 Drama 2.3 - Discuss a drama or theatre form or period with reference to
a text (External)

*AS 91218 will replace AS 91217, should the class elect to do a performance of the script studied.


Resources Required

Loose fitting clothing that will allow for easy movement and physical exercise 

1 B8 Exercise Book