Nelson College Nelson College

Level 3 Drama

13DRA
Course Description Recommended Prior Learning

12 Level 2 credits in Drama but this is not an essential requirement.


This course combines in-depth theoretical theatre studies and performance opportunities.  Students will devise, direct and perform in original dramas while developing technical and production skills. There are a number of performance opportunities, where students may opt to work on solo pieces, collaboratively in small groups and a major class production. Students will explore different genres of theatre and use these in their application of drama conventions to convey messages and themes in their performance. Students will develop skills in collaboration, creativity, building of confidence, empathy and communication.  Studying Drama will benefit careers in law, medicine, project management, event organisation production management and the creative industries.





Course Overview

Term 1
Drama 3.1 - Interpret scripted text to integrate drama techniques in performance. Students will select techniques of voice, body, movement and use of space to interpret a credible and believable character from a well known script. Development of relationships on stage will be explored to create impact and realise the intention of the playwright.

Term 2
Drama 3.6 - Perform a substantial acting role in a significant production. Students will work together as a class to produce an hour long production. They will develop the skills of self management, collaboration and using critical feedback and feed forward to enhance their acting roles.

Term 3
Drama 3.2 - Devise and perform a drama to realise a concept. Students will develop a solo or group piece to realise a concept. The concepts will be examined through the lens of historical events or characters that are meaningful to the students. They will explore the conventions, elements and use the performance technical aspects of theatre through creating digital media, sound and lighting aspects within their own performances.

Term 4
Drama 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of live drama performance. Students will view a live/ or digital performance to develop understanding of the aspects of drama. They will examine the work of a playwright and analyse the elements of the theatre and the performance technical aspects that have gone into realising the concept of the piece. This will be examined as an external at the end of term four.

Learning Areas:

Drama, Performing Arts


Detailed Course Outline
Assessment Information

Students will work either on a solo performance or in a collaborative small group. Students are assessed individually when they perform. Video evidence will be used to collect information for assessment. Students will receive regular feedback and feed forward to develop their roles and meaning within each Achievement Standard.