3DRA

NCEA Level 3 Drama

Course Selection for 2025 is now closed.

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms C. Saunders.

This course is for students who have a keen interest in drama, literature and performance. The course requires self-discipline and personal commitment as it is both practical and academic.

Students will be required to attend rehearsals both in and out of school time. This is a full-year general course for students interested in a career in various entertainment fields or tertiary study. It focuses on developing and analysing drama techniques and complex performance skills.

Drama at NCEA level is a University approved academic subject.

This is a full-year general course for students interested in a career in various entertainment fields. It covers topics including: 

  • Drama techniques
  • Devise and perform a drama
  • Demonstrate features of a drama/theatre form
  • Perform an acting role in a scripted production
  • Writing your own short play



The skills learned in drama prepare students for further study or a career in the arts as well as building confidence in their interpersonal and presentational skills that they can utilise in whatever they choose to do beyond school. 

The senior courses build on the foundational concepts introduced at the junior level. Students can expect to play characters with increasing complexity, both scripted and created through the devising process.

Students will expand their knowledge of established theatre forms and experiment with techniques and conventions particular to that form.  They will also be encouraged to critically reflect on their creative process as well as their own worldview. 

Drama students are creative, collaborative problem-solvers which makes them excellent employees, team-mates and citizens.

Recommended Prior Learning

For Level 3 it is essential to have gained Level 2 Achievement Standards.

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

These may include performances by professional groups depending on availability, or travel to National Festivals, auditions for Toi Whakaari or NASDA, or attendance at drama courses and workshops.