PERFORMING ARTS
btec Level 3 Extended Certificate
Course Overview
A highly practical course that offers students the chance to develop their performance skills in all disciplines: acting, movement and voice. Students are exposed to different acting styles and are continuously provided with performance opportunities.
welcome Video
assessment methods
With only one exam style assessment in Year 12, the remaining credits of the course are awarded through continous assessment both in class and in practical performance.
Year 12 Units
Unit 1
investigating practitioner's work
Unit one is an investigation unit where you use your research in an exam setting, to answer a question regarding theme and style of a particular performing arts practitioner. You have to demonstrate your understanding of the practitioner, their influences and the intention behind their work.
Unit 2
developing skills and techniques for live performance
This is a wonderful unit that is all about performance, where you take on different styles, hone your skills, and log your progress. This log shows you understand what makes strong performance. This unit will include a public performance of contemporary theatre.
Year 13 Units
Unit 3
GROUP PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
This is a fully collaborative unit whereby you create a piece with your group in response to a stimulus. Workshops allow you to generate material and consider the effectiveness of that material in communicating your intention. It is about working with others to reach artistic goals and then review the process.
SELECTIVE UNIT
MUSICAL THEATRE
THIS UNIT WILL BE SELECTED TO SUIT THE STRENGTHS OF THE COHORT.
In previous years, this has been Musical Theatre. Students have used school shows alongside classroom workshops for exploration and development.
Alternative units include: Improvisation, Movement/Choreography, Shakespeare
Student testimonials
'My time on the BTEC Performing Arts course was absolutely fundamental. The course really, really helped me to boost my confidence and with constant support and encouragement from my teachers, I have no doubt that this course helped me get to where I am today.' - Oliver Edwards, BA Acting at Guilford School of Acting
'Studying the BTEC Performing Arts really helped me develop my confidence in performing and solidified the passion I have for the subject. It is such a supportive class environment.' - Sian Bergin, BA Musical Theatre at Chichester University
'Best way to describe this course? You will have so much fun! I cannot stress how much fun you will have. However, the course still allows for a relaxed and safe environment which I think is really important for sixth form, especially with exam stress in other subjects. As someone who struggled academically, the BTEC Performing Arts allowed for the space I needed where I could explore, fail and succeed. The course allowed me to gain confidence in communication and working with others.' - Eddy Davidson,
'Studying the BTEC Performing Arts allowed me to develop my confidence. I was intrigued and engaged in all my lessons and my teachers would always convince me to try new things.' - Lucie-Anne Turner, BA Musical Theatre at Chichester University
Higher Education Progression Routes
Where can it lead?
This qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses. The content is equivalent in size to one A Level.
How does the qualification provide employability skills?
There are opportunities to developing employability skills:
• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology
• intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
• interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.
How does the qualification provide transferable knowledge and skills for higher education?
All BTEC Nationals provide transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include: • the ability to learn independently • the ability to research actively and methodically • being able to give presentations and being active group members. BTEC learners can also benefit from opportunities for deep learning where they are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study. BTEC Nationals provide a vocational context in which learners can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including:
• reading technical texts
• effective writing
• analytical skills
• creative development
• preparation for assessment methods used in degrees
Student Destinations
Most students completing this course go on to higher education, often in the field of Performing Arts, but it provides access and skills that will help across a broad range of courses and jobs.