Performing Arts (Dance)

Details of the Examination Specification

Performing Arts (Dance) Pearson BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts

KS5 PA (Dance) - March 2021.mov

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? 

The BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts Dance is equivalent to one A Level. The course will provide insight into the Performing Arts sector. It will give you an understanding of the Performing Arts with a specific focus on the essential skills, techniques and disciplines needed for a variety of careers in Dance. The qualification provides you with an insight into the employment opportunities available, helping you to choose a career or move on to further study. Whatever skills and experience you bring they will be developed and improved through practical workshops, research, set tasks and public performances. The main requirements are some experience of performing (in or outside school), plus enthusiasm, energy, commitment and the ability to work hard as part of a team. 

What will I learn on this BTEC course? 

During the course you will be able to develop a variety of skills, both practical and personal in Dance. Organisational skills are essential to balance and manage your time between the different Units. You will have the opportunity to undertake, prepare and perform as part of a Dance company presenting work to an audience. The Units focus on practical skills and techniques in a range of Dance styles as well as critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of professional Dance practitioners work. 

What kind of student is this course suitable for? 

This is definitely the course for you if you have already taken BTEC Level 2 Dance or are involved with performing in or outside of school and you have a real passion for dancing and combining your dancing skills with the opportunity to extend your skills in other areas. You will need to realise the importance of rehearsals after school to ensure you meet the course requirements. You will also be expected to see and research a wide variety of performance work. 

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? 

The Extended Certificate will involve a combination of mandatory internally set and marked assignments with working lesson logs, as well as two mandatory externally Exam Board set tasks. Assignments will be set and marked by school and related to a work-related scenario. This may take the shape of a practical project, performance and research within a team or individually. Tasks are set and marked by the Exam Board. This qualification also involves one written exam to be completed in controlled conditions, which draws on pre-released information. 

BTEC Extended Certificate (One A Level equivalent) 

This course requires a student to complete 4 Units over a 2-year period. The course is designed to be adaptable to your interests, abilities and aspirations: it consists of three mandatory Units, plus one Unit from a range of specialist Units (These provide a total of 360-guided learning hours). Using pass, merit and distinction criteria, each of which carries a points weighting, assesses the course. At the end of the two-year course the points are added up. For those going to University, the points are then converted into UCAS points. You can also convert the points into A level equivalent grades.

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