Level 2 Drama & Theatre Arts
12DRA Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Miss C. Owen.
Entry CriteriaThis course is open entry for all students. Level 2 Drama is an open entry course, although a successful completion of Year 11 drama is preferred, and/or a clear involvement in extra-curricular drama inside or outside of school.
Students must meet the requirements to study a Level 2 NCEA Award.
Level 2 Drama & Theatre Arts
At Level 2, Drama students build on their performance and production skills through a deeper exploration of socially and politically engaged theatre. The year begins with a study of Forum Theatre, where students not only perform but also write their own scripts, creating theatre that invites audience interaction and challenges social norms. They also devise original work based on contemporary issues and perform pieces of Political Theatre that provoke thought and inspire change.
In addition to their practical work, students sit two external examinations: one focused on Theatre Form, and the other on Live Theatre Performance. These assessments require students to analyse and reflect on both historical styles and live productions.
To support their learning, students are encouraged to attend live theatre throughout the year, including performances that may take place outside of regular school hours.
We currently offer 25 NCEA credits at level 2. 17 internal and 8 external.
Course Overview
Term 1
In Term 1, students will participate as an actor, performing a scene or monologue from Shakespeare. The unit of work (AS2.4) is mostly performative and is worth four credits. There is a modest written workbook also to complete.
Term 2
In Term 2, students will participate as an actor and a writer, creating a Forum Theatre text based upon the narratives from "The Humans of New York", by Brandon Stanton. The unit of work is a combination of two standards, acting and writing (AS2.1 and AS2.8), is mostly performative, and is worth up to eight credits. There is a modest written workbook also to complete.
Term 3
In Term 3, students will participate as an actor and devisor, creating a Political Theatre performance, based upon the theories of Bertolt Brecht. The unit of work (AS2.2) is mostly performative and is worth four credits. There is a modest written workbook also to complete.
Term 4
In Term 4, students will dedicate themselves to Examination Preparation, ahead of the NCEA Drama Examinations in November. Each exam is worth four credits: AS2.3 on a Form or Period of Drama and AS2.7 on Live Theatre.
Year 12 Visual and Performing Arts, Drama
Detailed Course Outline Pathway
Actor; director; writer; producer; TV presenter; teacher; lecturer; dramaturg-researcher
Equipment/Stationery and Course CostsThis course makes significant use of digital learning material at various times during the year. It is advantageous for a student to have a laptop during these times. Some learning activities, including assessments, will not be able to be completed without a laptop.