Btec Foundation Diploma Dance

WELCOME TO BTEC DANCE @ QMC

BTEC level 3

National Foundation Diploma Performing Arts Practice Dance

Course Leader: Craig Horton

Email: craig.horton@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File

• An intensive practical and academic performance course which will also help prepare you for progression to higher education at University, an Apprenticeship or onto a career in the Dance industry.

• It is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

• You will learn by undertaking vocationally active projects, some of which will culminate in performances to the public to echo the work undertaken in professional dance companies.

• You will also perform an annual showcase performance in Central Studio each year.

Performance images from 2020 Dance Show at Central Studio

The Foundation Diploma, equivalent in size to 1 ½ A Levels.

Specific entry requirements

Previous dancing experience is desirable but not always essential.

How is the course assessed?

The overall qualification grading for the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts Practice Dance is P to D*. This is in line with the rest of the BTEC National suite. There are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing:

· employability skills;

o cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology

o interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation

o intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

· transferable skills that universities value include:

o the ability to learn independently

o the ability to research actively and methodically

o being able to give presentations and being active group members.

Over the period of the course, you will be given assignments to do by your teachers. These assignments are one way in which you can provide evidence that you have studied and understood a topic.

• At the end of the course you will be given a grade for your work. For BTEC courses, the highest grade is Distinction*, the next highest is Distinction, followed by a Merit, then a Pass or Not Yet Achieved. Your lowest grade for a unit will be your final grade for that particular unit. If for example you were awarded a Pass and three Distinctions for a unit, your final grade will be Pass.

Whilst you will get a chance to practice the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete a unit, you will only be able to be formally assessed on the Assessment Criteria in a unit ONCE. When you have started a formal assignment for a unit, your teacher will not be able to give you any specific Assessment Criteria guidance: they will only be able to provide general guidance.

What topics will I be studying?

Learners taking this qualification will study four mandatory learning and teaching modules:

Ø Exploring Performance Styles

Ø Creating Performance Material

Ø Performing as a Dancer as part of an Ensemble

Ø The Performing Arts Industry

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?

Loose or stretchable clothing appropriate for dance.