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Introduction:
Performing Arts is a versatile and exciting subject at Level 3. Within the course, students have the opportunity to develop skills across different acting styles as well as exploring technical theatre and the ‘behind-the-scenes’ jobs within the industry. Students have ownership of events and ample performance opportunities.

This course provides an in depth understanding of the performing arts industry and is designed for people who want to get ready for degree level study at university or find work across a range of job roles such as performer; teacher; youth worker; script writer or director. The department has staged many showcase events and this will be your opportunity to shine! Within the context of the course, students are invited to attend theatre trips and Performing Arts workshops.

What is this qualification worth?
The Level 3 Extended Certificate is a new BTEC qualification which consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit. It is equivalent to one A’ Level. It provides a broad introduction to the Performing Arts sector with emphasis on core knowledge and fundamental, transferable skills.

Course details:
Key areas of study across the two year course comprise of:

Three Mandatory Units for the Extended Certificate

1 Investigating Practitioners’ Work

2 Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

3 Group Performance Workshop

AND one Optional Unit (with a focus on acting)

The course covers 360 guided learning hours.

How will I be assessed?
The course is designed to be as practical as possible, but there is an academic foundation to prepare the students for university life and support the level of the qualification. The new BTEC Level 3 qualifications have much more focus on the academic elements and are assessed in the following ways:

Assignments: Set and marked by the centre. Students complete a series of tasks set in a work-related scenario which can be tailored to local industry needs.

What’s the result?
Students generate authentic evidence, drawing on their knowledge and skills to complete a practical project over a period of time, working either individually or in a team.

Tasks: Students complete, in controlled conditions, a task tackling an everyday challenge; some tasks also draw on pre-released information. These elements will be marked by Pearson as external components.

What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
The qualification gives students UCAS points equivalent to an A’ Level which will enable them to go on to study for a degree in Performing Arts or other area of specialism or go on to have specialist training at drama schools. This qualification can also be used within any relevant employment setting.

What qualifications do I need?
Students would be able to access the Level 3 qualification in Performing Arts if they have any of the following:

Five GCSEs at grade A*-C which might include GCSE or BTEC Level 2 in Drama, Dance or Music
Grade related qualifications in Dance, Drama or Music
Students should also have an interest in developing broad skills, knowledge and understanding based on the practical needs and concerns of the performing arts industry.

BTEC Level 1/2 Award in Performing Arts 

Exam Board – Edexcel/Pearson
Grades – Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction*
Assessment – Coursework Portfolios; Live Performance and an External Assessment in year 11.

The course is routed within the Performing Arts Industry and the units that will be studied will enable you to specialise within an area from the Industry. The focus at Dyson Perrins will be upon Acting, Production and Musical Theatre skills with key concepts and principles closely related to the world of Performing Arts. The course is entirely equivalent to a GCSE in Drama and will allow students to access the same progression routes once they have completed Key Stage 4. These routes could be A’ Level subjects; BTEC Level 3 qualifications or work within the Industry.

The Units that you will study are as follows:

Unit 1 – Individual Showcase (External Assessment)
This is an externally assessed unit that will require you to present two audition monologues based on a theme set by the Board. You will also complete a controlled assessment which will take the form of a letter where you apply for a “role” within the Industry. You will be taught how to prepare for an audition and how to present yourself formally via letter.

Unit 2 – Preparation; Performance; Production (Internal Assessment)
In this unit you will learn how to develop a performance piece as a member of a fictional performance company. You will take on a specific performing or production role and will prepare for, and produce, a performance by carrying out tasks that are appropriate to your role. No matter what role you undertake, you will also need to explore the performance piece you are working on. Students are currently working on extracts from “Grease The Musical” and they will stage their work to an audience shortly.

Unit 3 – Acting Skills (Internal Assessment)
This unit is about starting you on your journey to becoming a professional actor. You will be introduced to important acting skills and will learn about the specific demands that acting makes on the body and mind. In particular, you will undertake a programme of regular exercises to help you master the techniques that will enable you to control and use your voice and body to communicate a character or role. As well as physical skills, you will need to use your imagination to create characters or roles. This unit will, therefore, also help you to hone your mental skills.

You must be committed to creating performance work and to forming excellent group collaboration; these are essential qualities that you should bring with you to the course. You should also be fully aware that there will be a substantial amount of ongoing written work to support your performance skills.