• Performing Arts.
  • Drama. Exam
  • Performing Arts School production. A dance scene from one of the many outstanding school productions
  • Performing Arts. Students developing their skills in a ‘Frantic Assembly’ workshop held in the theatre
  • Drama and Performing Arts trip to London.
  • Performing Arts. Drama and Performing Arts and Production Arts students involved in the ‘Splendid Production’ Workshop
  • Performing Arts. Y12 Devised exam
  • Performing Arts. Y12 Devised exam
  • Performing Arts. Y12 Devised exam
  • Performing Arts. Theatre trip to see Warhorse
  • Drama. Workshop
  • Performing Arts Y13 Devised exam.
  • Drama. Show
  • Drama. Workshop
  • Drama. Exam
  • Drama. Exam
  • Drama. Workshop
  • Drama. Workshop
  • Drama. Show
  • Drama. Exam

Curriculum Leader

Miss Michelle Sinclair

Awarding Body

Pearson/Edexcel Course Specification

Entry Requirements

Drama GCSE or equivalent Performing Arts qualification. Experience in performance desirable. Those with no prior experience or Drama qualification should see the Head of Drama before opting. You must be able to work with others. High levels of attendance and a commitment to working outside lesson time are essential.

Why choose Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts?

To complement most other subjects and to improve a wide range of skills. If you are interested in a career in the performing arts then this course will develop your skills in response to a range of performance scenarios as well as providing you with transferable skills for further study or employment.

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What will I learn in BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts (Year 12) and how will it be assessed?

Unit 1: Investigating practitioners

Students will learn about a range of theatre practitioners and companies through theatre trips, in workshops and by working on suitable texts. They will then write about what they have learnt in controlled assessment conditions.

Externally assessed

Unit 2: Developing skills and techniques for live performance

Students will develop a wide range of performance skills through practical workshops and through a variety of performances. They will track this development through a coursework portfolio kept throughout the year.

Internally assessed and moderated

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What will I learn in BTEC National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Year 13) and how will it be assessed?

Unit 3: Group performance workshop

Students will work in groups to develop a piece of devised theatre in response to a stimulus provided by the exam board. They will rehearse and perform the piece to an audience and produce a digital log to support the process and performance.

Externally assessed

One further unit from a choice of optional units to include understanding, development of skills and a performance. The performance will be assessed along with a portfolio evidencing the process and evaluating the final piece. The chosen unit will be selected based on candidates opting for the course

Internally assessed and moderated.

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How will I learn?

You will learn through opportunities to:

  • Work independently as part of a team to prepare a range of performances for a public audience
  • Develop your performance skills through lessons and workshops
  • Perform high quality practical work to live audiences
  • Attend workshops to develop skills and knowledge of performing arts.
  • Gain in depth understanding of the performing arts industry through research, practice and work experience
  • Work in a vocational context using superb facilities and resources
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Performing Arts, Drama, Dance, Technical Theatre, Expressive Arts, Event Management, Business, any degree course which requires well-developed teamwork, communication, creativity, independence.

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This course is ideal experience for anyone wanting to pursue a career in any aspect of performing arts or for anyone intending to continue to a degree course in any area of the arts. Any career which requires organisational, communication or creative skills would be a good progression route.

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Further Course Information

As part of your course, you will take part in a range of performances and workshops. There are regular opportunities to go on theatre visits and to get involved in school productions. 

You will have the opportunity to function as a professional performing arts company. This will include taking part in at least four performances and developing an understanding and a range of skills across the sector. This is an ideal course for any student with an interest in any aspect of the performing arts. There is a voluntary after school coursework club with targeted staff support associated with this course.

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Extra curricular opportunities in Performing Arts

As part of your course, you will take part in a range of performances and workshops. There are a wide range of different learning experiences available to our students, including a variety of theatre visits, performances in school, workshops and opportunities to work with Drama students from other years as well as actors and other professionals. There are opportunities to take part in extra-curricular productions, and to run the lower school drama club or help to direct lower school productions. Every other year, we offer the opportunity to attend a residential to London.

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