NCEA in the news

Concept is pure theatre

Southland teens aged from 13 to 18 can get some performing arts experience, thanks to a Venture southland initiative called "Theatre Works".

The concept has taken shape over the past year based on a perceived need to offer extended performing arts experiences to students in the province.

Venture southland Creative Projects manager Angela Newell said the popularity of established events, such as Shakespeare in the Park, The Sheila Wynn Shakespeare Festival, WOW Quest and other shows throughout the district, had demonstrated a great interest in extra-curricular activities.

Other skills in improvisation, movement, characterisation, script work and acting were core NCEA drama components.

The initial block of theatre skills will take place on Sundays from October 3 to November 7 and will be open to all students in the age group in Southland.

"It is an introductory programme that is designed to generate interest with an accent on fun and interactive learning," Ms Newell said.

Applications are available from Venture Southland Office, 143 Spey Street, Invercargill.

Depending on the interest shown in the introductory classes, auditions for theatre Works 2005 wil be held in February next year.

The Ensign, 24 September 2004

Kids looking to the stars

Pupils from Gore High School are among more than 300 students who have enrolled for NCEA astronomy courses online.

Carter Observatory spokesperson Robert Shaw said he was surprised by the amount of pupils enrolled for the courses, considering they had only been available for seven months.

"Many students want to increase the number of credit points that they have for NCEA and are willing to work at home to achieve that goal," he said.

More than 50 schools throughout New Zealand have pupils who are enrolled for the courses.

The Ensign, 24 September 2004