Performing Arts - Level 3 BTEC Certificate/Extended Certificate

Students on the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting) course will encounter an exciting array of vastly differing acting styles. They will develop skills in acting and performing, and will play a crucial role in the organisation and development of performance pieces. The course is practical, involving performance, coursework, and many opportunities to take part in plays and productions. Students will develop knowledge of the styles of practitioners and explore the ideas and themes of contemporary theatre, as well as devising and producing original work.

The demands within the performing arts industry mean learners need to be able to manage deadlines well, work effectively with others and communicate their ideas in different ways. This assessment methodology now more closely matches experiences learners will have in employment and thus increases their chances of successful progression. The units give valuable ways for learners to develop highly transferable skills and to be assessed in a synoptic way. The combination of mandatory content and optional units means that the qualification in Performing Arts can be tailored to suit all needs from acting and dance, to musical theatre and community-focused projects.

There is a requirement for written, research, review and evaluation.

The Diploma is designed to be the substantive part of a 16–19 study programme for learners who want a strong core of sector study. This programme may include other BTEC Nationals or A Levels to support progression to higher education courses in performing arts areas before entering employment. The additional qualification(s) studied allow learners either to give breadth to their study programme by choosing a contrasting subject, or to give it more focus by choosing a complementary subject.

The course is practical involving performance, coursework, and many opportunities to take part in plays and productions. Students will develop knowledge of the styles of different practitioners and explore the ideas and themes of contemporary theatre, as well as devising and producing original work. It is the equivalent in size to two A Levels. There are 8 units spread across the two years of which 6 are mandatory and 3 are external.

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

Performing Arts students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course related experiences including Theatre trips, National Theatre Live, cinema viewings and collaborations with Theatre Groups.

BTEC qualifications are valued in Higher Education and by employers. Students could consider Higher Education and careers in the following areas:

Theatre and Performance-related activities:

• A degree in Acting, Music Performance or Musical Theatre, Media Performance
  Performance Design and Management
• Careers in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance, Music Entertainment, Singing, Performance
  Performance support, Arts Administration
• Depending on other Advanced Level courses, students could also consider working in Drama Therapy, Speech Therapy, Performance Art, Nursing, Teaching, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing or Travel and Tourism.

It is vital that students are willing to perform in public, work with others, solve problems, plan their own learning and communicate effectively through speaking.

During each term of the course students will work towards a production that will involve an acting performance or a combination of disciplines. Students will investigate the structure of performance and the training of an actor. Towards the end of the course students will plan a possible route into employment either immediately or after further study.

The exam board for this course is Pearson BTEC.

Students wishing to do BTEC Level 3 courses, need to have (or expect to achieve) at least four GCSE passes at Grade 4 or above including English and Mathematics (and a satisfactory school reference) in order to be accepted on a BTEC Level 3 Programme.

All students will be required to attend an audition.