Why study BTEC Performing Arts? 

Firstly, we have achieved immense success with BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts and, not only does this course hope to inspire students to become independent theatre makers with the skills they need to go on to higher education, whether that is to study a course in Performing Arts or another subject, it also prepares students with a variety of transferable skills vital for success in today’s society.

Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A Level and carries equivalent UMS points for the grades obtained. It is fully supported by over 150 Universities and Performing Arts Academies and by employers.

How will I be assessed?

You will complete 4 units, two of which are externally assessed.

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work –

3 hour written Exam – Externally Assessed.

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance –

Performance and Performance Log – Internally assessed.

Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop –

Performance and Performance Log – Externally assessed.

Unit 19: Acting Styles –

Performance and Performance Log – Internally assessed.

Prerequisites

GCSE Drama or BTEC Performing Arts is beneficial but not essential. Attendance to lessons is vital.

This is a group subject and, as such, you will need to work together as a team regardless of personalities, issues or friendships. Attendance and reliability, willingness to experiment and take risks is ESSENTIAL for success.

What skills will I gain from studying BTEC Performing Arts?

Students of BTEC Performing Arts develop skills that are not just essential for drama but applicable to a wide range of higher education subjects and in the workplace. It refines students’ collaborative skills, their analytical thinking and their approach to research. Students grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on decision making.

Where can BTEC Performing Arts lead?

Whatever the future holds, students of BTEC Performing Arts emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills preparing them for their next steps whether that be in the Performing Arts sector or in other more mainstream employment such as Business, Management, PR, Health and Social Work. The skills learnt in BTEC Performing Arts underpin just about all other careers and professions. It can be studied at University in its own right or combined with other subjects.

Additional Comment

Universities and Drama Schools recognise the broader employability skills that a Performing Arts education provides a young person with, such as creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork. These qualifications provide an appropriate level of knowledge and skills, to meet the needs of the business and the individual, ensuring employees are appropriately skilled for the job and able to deliver to the standard that the sector expects.

Grading

Distinction*    = A*                       Distinction      = A

Merit               = C                          Pass                  = E

What will I study?

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work. You will study the work of two contrasting Theatre Practitioners and relate their ideas to a theme given by Edexcel. You will also link their ideas to live theatre seen during the course.

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance. You will study and analyse the techniques needed for a good performer. You will take part in a series of workshops preparing you for two different performances. During the process you will keep a Performance Logbook that details and evaluates the journey from rehearsal to performance.

Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop. You will be given five hours over a number of weeks to create a performance in response to a given stimulus set by Edexcel. During this time you will also complete a digital Process Log recording your progress at various stages during the rehearsal period. You will perform to an invited audience. All sessions are completed under controlled conditions.

Unit 19 or Unit 27:

Unit 19: Acting Styles. You will research into different acting styles and the influence of Theatre Practitioners. You will research and explore at least three different acting styles and apply the knowledge gained in a short performance. You will keep a Performance Log that reviews and evaluates the development and application of acting styles and techniques for a performance.

Hear what the students think

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