Whangarei Girls’ High School Whangarei Girls’ High School

Level 3 Drama*

3DRA
Course Description

This course will offer students a range of NCEA units, some of which are compulsory but most of which will be a matter of student choice. All students will further develop their use of drama techniques, and the deep analysis of a live performance. 

Some may select to explore and earn credits for script writing their own original plays. Others may choose to study a theatre theorist or practitioner. 

Performing Arts Technologies: If enough students are willing and able to dedicate the time to a Graduation Production, a few may have the opportunity to earn Performing Arts Technology credits by way of selecting Set, Costume, Make-Up and/or Lighting design units in conjunction with it. Stage-Management will also be offered in such a case. These are demanding units however which will need to be fully understood and the tasks involved accepted by students who opt for them.

Learning Opportunities

In this course you will need to:

Develop these skills:Explore this content:
  • Creativity.
  • The study of a range of plays and playwrights. 
  • Information literacy.
  • Social, political, religious, geographical influences within the historical setting of the plays and scenes they perform.
  • Personal confidence.
  • Drama techniques.
  • Collaborative group skills.
  • Analysis of live performance.
  • Physical, emotional and behavioural self-awareness.
  • Theatre form or genre.
  • Communication skills using voice and body.
  • Technical production.
  • Individual and collective responsibility.
  • Rehearsal and performance.
  • Self discipline.

  • Script writing skills.

  • Productivity.


Year Levels/Departments:

Drama, Seniors


Assessment Information

NCEA Standards offered:
NOTE: Most students who took Drama at Level 2 in 2023 will already have earned 5 Level 3 credits for AS 91513 Devise and perform a drama to realise a concept.
ALL DO:
A.S. 91512 v2 Drama 3.1 - Interpret scripted text to integrate drama techniques in
performance. (4 credits)
A.S. 91518 v3 Drama 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of live drama performance
(External – 4 credits)
OPTIONAL: (Must choose one or the other)
A.S. 91519 v2 Drama 3.8 - Script a drama suitable for live performance (5 credits)
AS 91516 v 2 Drama 3.5 – Demonstrate understanding of a drama or theatre theorist or practitioner.
OFFERED ONLY TO STUDENTS WHO ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO ATTEND A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF HOURS TO REHEARSALS OUTSIDE OF NORMAL TIMES.
A.S. 91517 v2 Drama 3.6 - Perform a substantial acting role in a significant production


Resources Required

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

2 x 1 B8 Exercise Books