Performing Arts

The BTEC Performing Arts courses are not just for those students who wish to pursue a career in the theatre; the courses are also about building confidence, improving group work and problem-solving skills and increasing the student's ability to communicate effectively.

We are currently offering courses in Acting, Dance or Production. The Extended Certificate - if successfully completed - is equivalent to two GCSEs at Grade C or better. Learners can only choose one Pathway; it is not possible, for example, for a student to choose both the (Acting) and (Dance) pathways.

All BTEC courses are 100% practical, assessed through a portfolio of evidence. Although this means that they are well suited to students who find more academic work challenging, they do require a lot of commitment, hard work and self-discipline. They will require some work outside normal school hours and should not be thought of as an 'easy option'.

The different courses are as follows:

BTEC Performing Arts (Acting)

This course is built around performances; during the course the student will be continually assessed in the process of putting on productions of plays and devised pieces.

For the First Certificate in Acting, students will look at basic acting and performing skills, perform some scripted plays and their own devised work. They will be treated as professional actors and will perform frequently to paying audiences.

BTEC Performing Arts (Production)

This course is built around the backstage, technical side of production; during the course, students will be continually assessed in the process of technically managing performances of plays and devised pieces.

For the First Certificate in Production, students look at basic crewing skills, sound and lighting design and operation, at all stages putting their new-found skills into practice by actually recording and mixing sound, operating lighting and crewing productions performed by the Acting students.

BTEC Performing Arts (Dance)

The course is built around dance performances; during the course the students will frequently perform and will learn how to use their bodies to communicate effectively as well as how to choreograph their own pieces.

For the First Certificate in Dance, students will study the theory of dance, Contemporary Dance, and Jazz Dance, understanding how that informs street dance and other modern styles. They will be treated as professional dancers and will get the opportunity to work with real life professional dancers and choreographers.

It is worth remembering that most students find performing arts work to be challenging, interesting, rewarding and enjoyable. The development they encourage in confidence and communication makes these an invaluable choice for any student.

Published February 14, 2011