Kaiapoi High School Kaiapoi High School

Level 3 Drama

L3DRAM
Course Description

Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr B. Morrison, Mrs C. Breen.

Recommended Prior Learning

To be accepted for this course, students must have earned 12 or more credits in Level 2 Drama, or have received HOF approval.


Level 3 Drama – Own the Stage, Shape the Story

Level 3 Drama is where it all comes together — your creativity, skills, and confidence hit the spotlight. Whether you’re aiming for the stage, screen, or just want to supercharge your communication and leadership skills, this course pushes you to go further, think deeper, and perform like a pro. Level 3 Drama explores the artistry of performance and theatre in greater depth. The course involves solo, paired, and group performances, with an emphasis on developing students to a professional standard.  There is also the option to script a drama script or scene. Some students may be offered the chance to direct a drama play as well. 

You’ll:

  • Perform a full-length play with a solid character arc
  • Devise and direct original work
  • Explore complex scripts and characters with nuance
  • Dive into global theatre styles and why they matter
  • Analyse theatre that tackles big ideas and social change
  • Reflect, evaluate, and grow as both a performer and a creator

Why take Level 3 Drama?
Because it’s not just about acting — it’s about mastering real-world skills:
✔ Public speaking and self-presentation
✔ Collaboration and leadership
✔ Creative thinking and problem-solving
✔ Emotional intelligence and cultural awareness

Drama at Level 3 sets you up for pathways in the performing arts, media, design, teaching, law, psychology, communication — and pretty much any career where people matter.

Step into your voice. Step into your future. Step into Level 3 Drama.


Why Choose Drama? A Smart Step Toward Your Child’s Future

At Kaiapoi High School, Drama is more than just performing on stage — it’s a powerful tool for developing life and career-ready skills. Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or not, Drama helps them grow into confident, capable, and creative young adults.

Here’s what Drama builds:

  • Confidence & Communication: Through performance, students learn how to speak clearly, think quickly, and present themselves — essential skills for interviews, leadership roles, and all kinds of public interaction.

  • Teamwork & Empathy: Drama is all about working with others, listening, supporting peers, and understanding different perspectives — skills highly valued in any workplace.

  • Creative & Critical Thinking: Students explore new ideas, problem-solve in real-time, and adapt to changing situations — preparing them for innovative careers in a fast-changing world.

  • Self-Management & Resilience: From rehearsing lines to performing in front of peers, students develop discipline, perseverance, and the ability to handle feedback — key qualities for long-term success.

Career relevance? Absolutely. Drama supports pathways into:

  • Film, TV, theatre and media production

  • Event management, advertising and marketing

  • Law, teaching, journalism, counselling, and public service

  • Any career needing confident, clear communication and strong interpersonal skills

Invest in your future confidence, creativity, and communication — Drama is a smart choice.


Course Overview

What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
1. Students performing a monologue, or in small groups an extract from a play, focusing on the Drama techniques of Voice, Body, Movement and Space.

2. The study of either Commedia Dell’arte, Greek or the Brecht Theatre Form and performance of a scene using the features of the chosen period of Drama.

3. Students will perform in the Level 3 class production to an invited audience of family and friends.

4. (Optional internal) Students will use the devising process to craft an original performance piece in small groups.

5. Students sit an external exam based on the live performances they have seen throughout the year.

Faculties:

The Arts


Assessment Information

The course includes three or four large internal performances and one external exam.

Career Pathways

Artistic Director, Film and Video Editor, Dancer, Entertainer, Film/Television Camera Operator, Communications Professional, Editor, Make-up Artist, Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Media Producer, Production Assistant (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Barrister, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Baker, Musician, Driving Instructor, Early Childhood Teacher, Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Translator, Nanny/Child Carer, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Recreation Co-ordinator, Secondary School Teacher, Teacher Aide, Counsellor, Minister of Religion, Psychologist, Community Development Worker, Workplace Relations Adviser, Occupational Therapist, Youth Worker, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Career Consultant, Support Worker, Elected Government Representative, Mining Engineer, Holiday Park Manager, Accountant, Auditor, Actor, Actuary, Office Administrator, Finance Manager, Advertising Specialist, Copywriter, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Aircraft Refueller, Paramedic, Pathologist, Patternmaker, Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Heavy Truck Driver, Archivist, Author, Librarian, Library Assistant, Animator/Digital Artist, Zoologist, Marine Biologist, Architect, Architectural Technician, Historian, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Ship's Officer, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Dental Technician, Trainer, Interpreter, Curator, Dietitian, Psychiatrist, Economist, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Food Technologist, Sound Technician, Journalist, Radio Presenter, Television Presenter



			
					
					Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
										
There will be at least two trips away to view live productions. These are likely to incur a small expense.

										

								


				





    

        
Disclaimer

        
Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it.  Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.  
Costs
KHS aims to deliver educational courses over and above that which is funded by the Ministry, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant may be requested, and we appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.