Performing Arts (Drama) 

Details of the Examination Specification

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

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

The BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is equivalent to one A-level. The course will provide insight into the Performing Arts sector and works. 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 Performing Arts. The qualification provides you with an insight into the employment opportunities available, helping you to choose a career or move on to further study. You may have a GCSE in Drama or Music, but it is not a requirement. Whatever skills and experience you bring 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 course? 

During the course you will be able to develop a variety of skills, both practical and personal. Organisational skills are essential to balance and manage your time between the different units. You will have the opportunity to undertake, prepare and perform a role as part of a performing arts company presenting work to an audience. You may also focus on your individual strengths in a performance role within the context of a full-scale theatrical performance. You will gain realistic experience of carrying out a defined performance role or roles, transferring and applying relevant performance skills and application of these to a work-related scenario. The course can help with all the basic essential skills (use of body, voice, physical expressions, communication with an audience) about performing on stage and also develop your key skills such as working within a team, concentration and organisation. Students will be required to watch and study a wide variety of plays, some of which will be off island. 

What kind of student is this course suitable for? 

This is definitely the course for you if you have already taken GCSE Drama or are involved with performing in or outside of school and you have a real passion for acting and making drama. It would aid a student who wishes to pursue a career in theatre, internet platforms, film, television and other creative industries. 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 portfolio work, as well as two mandatory externally Exam Board set tasks. The whole course consists of four Units, of which 3 are mandatory, one is optional and two of these are externally marked. Assignments will be set and marked by school and related to a work-related scenario. This may take the shape of a practical project and research within a team or individually. Tasks are set and marked by the Exam Board and involve challenges that are completed in controlled conditions, which may draw on pre-released information. 

BTEC Extended Certificate (One A level equivalent) 

This course requires a student to complete 4 Units over a two-year period. The course is designed to be adaptable to your interests, abilities and aspirations (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. 

Skills developed:  

• Individual performing skills  

• Creative thinking and expression  

• Technical skills  Analysis and evaluation  

• Administrative/organisational skills  

• Teamwork 

Likely next step opportunities:  

• Higher Education for degree courses in Performing Arts  Specialist vocational courses  

• A skills set which is transferable to other courses and careers 

Assessment summary: 

• Internal and external assessment throughout the duration of the course. 

• Portfolio work/evidence and performance work for each unit. 

• Research tasks culminating in external written exam.