Performing Arts

Performing Arts are the exciting fields of Dance and Drama.

A range of academic research finds large benefits to students who have experience in the performance arts in school and beyond; our MRGS Performing Arts alumni are a testament to this – working in fields from choreography and acting, to medicine, engineering and law. The Performing Arts are university approved subjects and are a fabulous choice for a wide range of students at Mt Roskill Grammar.

Students have the opportunity create work which articulates their point of view or aims to create positive change in our community through performance. We are proud to offer real world contexts of assessment and learning where showcases and community performances are teachable moments in not only dance and drama, but in the teaching of wider competencies such as empathy, social skills, public speaking, student agency, leadership and teamwork. In a world which is changing so quickly; where many skills are becoming less popular in the future economy, we are aware of this in our department and aim to arm students with a wide range of life skills through Dance and Drama.

HOD Performing Arts – Emma Gillies

Qualifications: BCS Auckland University of Technology, GradDip Tchng Secondary Auckland Uni

Experience: 8 years teaching at MRGS, 2 years teaching in the UK namely Arts Educational School London, received 2017 ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award.

Why I teach my subject: teaching and theatre are my two passions. I truly believe in the power of Dance and Drama to transform individuals to learn more about themselves and be more empathetic, empowered learners. Drama and Dance allow students to formulate arguments, find solutions to a problem, work within a team, show leadership, explore their creativity and test their limits. Our Performing Arts students and alumni will tell you gladly of their own transformation within Performing Arts – it is truly rewarding as a teacher of these subjects to see this journey.

Why I teach at MRGS: I love coming into work every day and working with such incredible, diverse and creative minds. The students at Mt Roskill Grammar are so eager to learn and develop in our disciplines, and enjoy the ability to work alongside the experienced Performing Arts staff. Students who take Performing Arts are welcomed into our unique whānau where relationships and opportunities for collaboration and belonging happen beyond the classroom. As students have such a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, this makes for Dance and Drama that is on the cutting edge of what is happening in not only our community but the future of our country.

Courses and Pathways

Year 9 Performing Arts

Entry Requirements:

N/A

Junior Diploma Credits:

9 Credits

BYOD Recommendations:

In our subject we use devices very occasionally for research and written work. Students can use any device that can access a browser, google classroom and google drive, with sharing and typing capabilities.

Who is this course for?

This course is for students who would like to develop their confidence, teamwork and creativity through exploration of Drama and Dance. This option subject is a fabulous way to get to know lots of other Year 9s at MRGS and have fun experimenting with their use of body, voice and movement to create performances. Mt Roskill Grammar is a school which is renowned and recognised for its high quality Performing Arts.

Year 10 Performing Arts

Entry Requirements:

N/A

Junior Diploma Credits:

12 Credits

BYOD Recommendations:

In our subject we use devices very occasionally for research and written work. Students can use any device that can access a browser, google classroom and google drive, with sharing and typing capabilities.

Who is this course for?

This course is for students who would like to continue to develop their confidence, teamwork and creativity through exploration of Drama and Dance. This option subject is a fabulous way to expand their understanding of the fun and challenging world of Performing Arts while they create high standard dance and drama. Mt Roskill Grammar is a school which is renowned and recognised for its high quality Performing Arts. This course really starts to accelerate Year 10 students into performers.

Year 11 Dance

Entry Requirements:

N/A

Credits:

20 Credits at Level 1

BYOD Recommendations:

N/A

Who is this course for?

Students will compose and perform dance sequences in a variety of styles. They will also demonstrate an understanding of dance performance and knowledge of dance genres. The majority of the work is practical with a small written component. It is possible to increase the amount of credits available in this course through extra-curricular performance opportunities – see the HoD for details. Performing Arts subjects are collaborative and all internal assessments are group based. If you intend to take a Performing Arts subject, you must be aware that good attendance is mandatory.

Achievement Standards:

AS 90858 1.1 Compose dance sequences for given briefs INT
AS 90002 1.2 Perform dance sequences INT
AS 90860 1.4 Demonstrate understanding of the elements of dance INT
AS 90861 1.5 Demonstrate understanding of a dance performance EXT

Year 11 Drama

Entry Requirements:

N/A

Credits:

Up to 21 Credits at Level 1

BYOD Recommendations:

N/A

Who is this course for?

In this highly practical course students will explore the use of acting techniques, performance, drama conventions and genres. Students will devise short dramas and perform in various roles throughout the year. The course focuses on building confidence and the ability to express ideas and intentions, while working productively with the class whanau which is the core of collaboration and success in the Performing Arts. Performing Arts subjects are collaborative and all internal assessments are group based. If you intend to take a Performing Arts subject, you must be aware that good attendance is mandatory.

Achievement Standards:

AS 90006 1.1 Apply drama techniques in a dramatic context INT
AS 90997 1.2 Devise and perform a drama INT
AS 90999 1.4 Use features of a drama/theatre form in a performance INT
AS 91000 1.5 Demonstrate understanding of a significant play INT
AS 90998 1.3 Demonstrate understanding of features of a drama/theatre form EXT

Year 12 Dance

Entry Requirements:

12 Credits in Level 1 Dance and 16 credits iLevel 2 Drama.

Credits:

20 Credits at Level 2

BYOD Recommendations:

N/A

Who is this course for?

This course builds on skills learnt in Level 1, with an emphasis on building understanding in choreography anperformance. Students will learn a variety of dance styles and demonstrate an understanding of dancperformance. It is possible to increase the amount of credits available in this course through extra-curricular performance opportunities see the HoD for details. Performing Arts subjects are collaborative and all internal assessments are group based. If you intend to take a Performing Arts subject, you must be aware thagood attendance is mandatory.

Achievement Standards:

AS 91205 2.1 Choreograph a group dance to communicate an intention INT
AS 91206 2.2 Choreograph a solo to communicate an intention INT
AS 91207 2.3 Perform an ethnic or social dance to communicate understanding of the style INT
AS 91208 2.4 Perform a theatre dance to communicate understanding of the dance INT
AS 91211 2.8 Demonstrate understanding of a dance genre or style in context EXT

Year 12 Drama

Entry Requirements:

12 credits in Level 1 Drama, or 16 credits in Level 1 Dance, or by consultation with HOD.

Credits:

Up to 21 Credits at Level 2

BYOD Recommendations:

N/A

Who is this course for?

This highly practical course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Level 1 Drama, exploring use of acting techniques, drama conventions and genres. Students will devise drama and perform in a variety of roles throughout the year, developing a set of complex performance skills and intentions through continued collaboration and fun at the core of what we do. Performing Arts subjects are collaborative and all internal assessments are group based. If you intend to take a Performing Arts subject, you must be aware that good attendance is mandatory.

Achievement Standards:

AS 91213 2.1 Apply drama techniques in a scripted context INT
AS 91214 2.2 Devise and perform a drama to realise an intention INT
AS 91215 2.3 Discuss a drama or theatre form or period with reference to context EXT
AS 91216 2.4 Use complex performance skills associated with a drama or theatre from or period INT
AS 91217 (optional) 2.5 Examine the work of a playwright INT

Year 13 Dance

Entry Requirements:

16 credits in Level 2 Dancee, or by consultation with HOD

Credits:

20 Credits at Level 3

BYOD Recommendations:

N/A

Who is this course for?

This course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Level 2 Dance. Students will deepen understanding of choreographic processes. Confidence to perform contrasting dance styles to an audience is a must. Students will analyse dance performance or the development of dance in Aotearoa/ New Zealand. It is possible tincrease the amount of credits available in this course through extra-curricular performance opportunities – see the HoD for details. Performing Arts subjects are collaborative and all internal assessments are groubased. If you intend to take a Performing Arts subject, you must be aware that good attendance is mandatory.

Achievement Standards:

AS 91589 3.2 Choreograph a dance to develop and resolve ideas INT
AS 91590 3.3 Perform a solo or duet dance INT
AS 91591 3.4 Perform a group dance INT
AS 91593 3.6 Demonstrate understanding of dance performance practices INT
AS 91594 3.7 Analyse a dance performance EXT

Year 13 Drama

Entry Requirements:

16 credits in Level 2 Drama,  or by consultation with HOD

Credits:

Up to 22 Credits at Level 3

BYOD Recommendations:

N/A

Who is this course for?

This course is thematically concerned with New Zealand history and theatre. Other topics covered include acting techniques, Brechtian Epic Theatre, devising new theatre and analysing live performance. Students will have the opportunity to perform in a variety of contexts. There is a large theory component to this course, and students will need to have the skills to work independently. Confidence is also a must-to achieve, students must portray a credible interpretation of a role. Performing Arts subjects are collaborative and all internaassessments are group based. If you intend to take a Performing Arts subject, you must be aware that good attendance is mandatory.

Achievement Standards:

AS 91512 3.1 Interpret scripted text to integrate drama techniques in performance INT
AS 91513 3.2 Devise and perform a drama to realise a concept INT
AS 91515 (optional) 3.4 Select and use complex performance skills associated with a drama form or period. INT
AS 91517 3.6 Perform a substantial acting role in a significant production INT
AS 91518 3.7 Demonstrate understanding of live drama performance EXT

Yusuf Guessous

Subject I have taken: I am studying dance and drama

Why I am studying this subject: Drama and dance is not only great fun but the confidence, presentation skills and ability to work in teams also supports what I want to study for after I graduate high school. I plan on studying Communications at Auckland University, and both drama and dance will help me tremendously in this field.

What this subject offers me: Dance and drama offers me a safe environment to be myself. It also offers me a lot of disciplinary lessons, as there is always a new script or dance to learn, or there’s another show to perform. This subject trains me to manage my time skills and disciplines me to be a more productive learner. Dance and Drama also offers me the opportunity to gain more confidence as a performer.

Why I love this subject: I love the two subjects because everyday, I am able to express myself in a safe environment and not only that, I also get to express myself through different mediums, whether it  be through a character in a play or through a dance.