Performing Arts (BTEC)

If you enjoy a lot of very practical involvement in the Performing Arts, especially being involved in all aspects of putting on a performance then this is the course for you. It could provide a qualification for going on to a Performing Arts related course in Higher Education, or direct entry to the Performing Arts industry. Students who have already completed the course have been very successful in moving into both areas. You must be prepared to be heavily involved in extra-curricular Performing Arts either in or out of college. Students may specialise in Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre within their qualification.

They are assessed through a series of units taken throughout the course some of which are internally assessed and some externally.

Many Units/Assignments lead to a practical performance which forms a major part of the evidence.

The units covered in this BTEC are:

Investigating Practitioners’ Work

Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

Group Performance Workshop

Jazz Dance Technique (dancers only)

Acting Styles (actors only)

Musical Theatre Techniques

BTEC’s are vocational courses, that is to say they are based on practical experience as if one was working in the chosen area rather than academic study.

BTEC’s allow students to gain entry to both University and employment in the same way A levels do. This course is equivalent to 1 A Level.

Each unit is individually marked (Distinction, Merit, Pass or fail) and a portfolio of evidence must be produced which demonstrates the candidates work for that unit or in the case of externally assessed units, set tasks and tests must be completed.

A portion of this evidence will be written but will also be in the form of video and annotated photographs, diaries and log books.

Work is marked by teachers or externally at the end of each unit.

All marks are externally verified. This is a very strict process.

BTEC’s require constant work and attendance. While students will be expected to work independently, they will constantly be working in teams and be reliant on each other.

All students on BTEC Level 3 courses perform publicly on a regular basis to assess their practical skills.

Students following BTEC Level 3 courses would also be expected to rehearse for and appear in at least one major production a year outside of lesson time - either the Christmas or Summer productions or a performance with another company.

BTEC Level Three Performing Arts Extended Certificate - Units Studied

Unit 1-Investigating Practitioners’ Work

Unit 2-Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

Unit 3-Group Performance Workshop

Unit 10-Jazz Dance Technique (dancers only)

Unit 19-Acting Styles (actors only)

Unit 27-Musical Theatre Techniques

Overall Entry Requirements:

6 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including an English and Maths.

Course Specific Entry Requirements:

Extensive previous experience in one or more PA subjects is essential but you do not necessarily need a GCSE in a PA subject. Extensive experience as a performer is essential, as is GCSE Grade 4 in English.