Performing Arts

BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Performing Arts

Coursework/Exams (%): 100/0
You need: GCSE grades D-F or better or Pass at Entry level
Board: Edexcel
Duration: 1 year

This is a practical and enjoyable course which will develop your performance skills and your practical skills, including backstage knowhow. It will also give you a working knowledge of the business side of the performing arts industry and develop understanding of budgeting and marketing.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)

Coursework/Exams (%): 100/0
You need: GCSE grades C-D or a Merit for BTEC Level 1 Diploma Art & Design
Board: Edexcel
Duration: 1 year

This course focuses on a range of acting skills and approaches to creating theatre for audiences. It is practically based and you’ll learn by completing projects, productions and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. This course is a useful stepping stone to level 3 courses and you can retake English GCSE alongside it to improve your grade to a C.

Can lead to:
BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts or other level 3 courses.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)

Coursework/Exams (%): 100/0
You need: 5 GCSE grades A*-C including English or Distinction/Merit for BTEC Level 2 Diploma, plus an audition
Board: Edexcel
Duration: 2 years

This course focuses on acting skills, from voice to movement. You’ll explore in depth a variety of approaches to creating theatre for an audience. The course is practically based and you’ll develop skills to a professional standard, enabling you to enter the competitive world of professional theatre with confidence and ability. This is an 18 unit award equivalent to three A Levels.

Can lead to:
University degree courses or Drama School. Past students have gone on to a range of courses including Performing Arts, journalism, creative writing, psychology, law, event management, TV and Presenting etc. Students can progress into a wide range of careers in the Performing Arts, TV and Radio Industry or related careers such as social work, teaching, or law.

AS/A2 Drama

Coursework/Performance Exam (%): 40/60
You need: 6 GCSE grades A*-C (at least 2 A/B grades) including English and Maths
Board: Edexcel
Duration: AS 1 year/A2 2 years

This course gives you a broad understanding of drama and theatre studies in both practical and theoretical contexts. You’ll learn acting and directing skills and will also explore important contemporary plays, which will develop your acting, analytical and evaluative skills. You’ll take part in practical drama activities and discussions and go on theatre trips to enable you to evaluate live theatre performance. Assessment is through written coursework and assessed practical exploration work. There is no written exam but you will take a Performance Exam, assessed by an external Examiner. This will consist of performing a monologue or duologue and taking part in a substantial production.

Can lead to:
Each programme in this area provides a progression route to the next level. From Level 3 programmes you can move on to Drama School and higher education courses including theatre and television acting and presenting and non-drama courses and careers.