New Zealand Scholarship Drama

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Drama assessment specification

Scholarship Performance Standard (93304) Drama
Method of assessment Portfolio of recorded performances and oral justifications,
with supporting evidence
For year 2021

Format of the assessment

PART 1: Text-based performance

A text or a speech written by an established playwright – for example, from the list of playwrights prescribed for AS91514 – is to be selected and prepared before the examination, when it is to be performed by the candidate.

‘Established’ = widely published or critically acclaimed.

The performance of the extract is to be preceded by an oral introductory analysis that explains:

  • the significance of the extract in the play
  • interpretive choices and performative intentions.

The introductory analysis is to be recorded immediately before the performance. No written prompt may be used. Candidates will be given a total of FIVE minutes to give their introductory analysis and perform their text-based performance. It is suggested that the candidate spend no more than 90 seconds on the oral introductory analysis.

Candidates are to give an annotated script of the text-based piece to the supervisor at the start of the examination.

PART 2: Self-devised piece performance

The self-devised performed piece must illustrate the influence of one established theorist or theatre practitioner or recognised theatre company.

The self-devised performance must be significantly different to the selection made in Part 1.

The performance of the self-devised piece is to be preceded by a prepared oral introductory analysis that:

  • identifies the chosen theorist, theatre practitioner, or theatre company
  • supplies a rationale for the work
  • explains creative and performative choices.

The candidate’s oral introductory analysis will be recorded. The candidate will be given a total of SIX minutes to introduce their work and perform their self-devised piece. It is suggested that the candidate spend no more than TWO minutes on their introduction.

Candidates are to give an annotated script of the self-devised piece to the supervisor at the start of the examination.

PART 3: Impromptu performance

The nationally prescribed task for impromptu performance will require the candidate to demonstrate the ability to control and discuss the elements of drama in a new context. The task will be handed to the candidate and retained by the candidate until after the performance.

The candidate will be given a total of SIX minutes to plan, perform, and justify their performance to the camera.  

It is suggested that immediately after the impromptu performance, the candidate re-read the task and consider a justification before presenting to camera.

The justification should explain how requirements of the task have been met, and how drama theory has been integrated into the performance. It may include analytical comments such as an explanation of, or reflection on, their intentions as well as their performance. For example, where a candidate struggled to apply an element, they might explain how they explored and found other solutions; or they might compare their intentions with what happened in performance and explain the choices they made. 

Submission and authenticity requirements

Please refer to the Digital External Assessment Submission Instructions for NZ Scholarship Drama (PDF, 928KB) for more information relating to the upload of candidate recordings.

Drama resources

The links listed below are for resources to help teachers and students understand what is required for success in New Zealand Scholarship.

Performance standard

Exam materials (impromptu performance task cards, schedules, etc)

 
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