BTEC Performing Arts (Extended Certificate)

Why BTEC Performing Arts?

The opportunities for students of Musical Theatre have continued to develop over the last decade, perhaps nowhere more so than in the Midlands.

As Birmingham continues to be promoted as the nation's "Second City" and attracts major Arts organisations to the area, so the West Midlands is becoming recognised as a centre for Culture and the Arts.

The job opportunities for students leaving full time education will continue to grow over the coming decade.

The Musical Theatre course offered at Sandwell Academy provides a range of vocational experiences. They will prepare students for their choice of career in both the world of work and Higher Education. Most of our students go onto to study for a degree related to Performing Arts or Teaching.

Course Type: BTEC
Exam Board: Pearson
Weight: Single

Specific Entry Requirements:
Grade 4 in Mathematics and English

Satisfactory level in Performing Arts or a Performing Arts discipline (Dance, Drama or Music). In addition, we ask all applicants to attend either a group or individual audition to assess basic skills and suitability for the course.

Experience in performance work in at least one area either at GCSE level, or through outside agencies, such as dancing schools or amateur theatre is desirable. The emphasis of this course is to develop skills in all areas of musical theatre and to develop you as an all-round performer.

You will be expected to have a flexible approach to all areas of the Performing Arts, regularly participate in a range of workshops with visiting practitioners, and attend a variety of live Performances.

Course Assessment:
This is a Single award qualifcation. You will study 4 units.
Contact Curriculum Leader for more information:
Miss Hubble
Download Course Leaflet

Course Outline

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners' Work

Level: 3 Unit type: External Guided learning hours: 90

Example content: Learners investigate the work of performing arts practitioners, develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work.

In this unit, you will develop skills that allow you to investigate the work of influential performing arts practitioners. You will identify the contextual factors that influence their work and critically analyse key information such as creative intentions, performance, production and repertoire in order to develop and communicate independent judgements.

This unit will give you research, critical analysis and extended writing skills that will support your progress to higher education. As a performing arts practitioner you will need to have a good understanding of the work of influential practitioners to inform your own work and professional practice.

This mandatory unit will be assessed through a task worth 60 marks and completed under supervised conditions. The supervised assessment period is a maximum of 3 hours and should be arranged by the centre in the week timetabled by Pearson.

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

Level: 3 Unit type: Internal Guided learning hours: 90

Example Content: Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing and demonstrating skills and techniques in at least two performance styles within a selected discipline.

The work of the professional performer requires time and dedication to training, developing and improving the tools of the trade. For actors, dancers and singers, the 'tools' are the body, the voice and the creative and intellectual skills needed to interpret the performance material to communicate with and entertain an audience. Employment opportunities in performing arts often require the performer to demonstrate skills in more than one style, for example the ability to perform in classical texts or repertoire as well as contemporary works. Training, development and practice of skills are lifelong commitments, enabling the performer to respond to the demands of rehearsals and performances with commitment, imagination and accuracy.

This unit serves as an induction into the performing arts where you will develop the appropriate skills and techniques in one or more of the performance disciplines of acting, dance, musical theatre, physical theatre and variety/popular entertainment. You will participate in regular workshops, classes and exercises where you will acquire, practise and develop the necessary technical, practical and interpretative performance skills to help you succeed when performing live to an audience. You will consider the nature, skills and attributes of the performer's role in your chosen discipline. You will work with at least two existing performance works, analysing and interpreting the material in order to understand and apply the relevant skills and techniques appropriate to the style. In practical classes you will demonstrate the discipline, focus and commitment the role of the performer requires. Ongoing review and evaluation will allow you to monitor your progress and set targets for the development of your performance skills.

The skills you gain in this unit will prepare you for progression to further study, training or higher education by equipping you with practical and technical skills key to your development as a performer. The training and experience provided by this unit will also help prepare you for employment in the performing arts industry as the development of performance skills and techniques is fundamental to all live performance roles.

Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop

Level: 3 Unit type: External Guided learning hours: 120

Learners explore creating theatre and develop scripted and devised performances as both a solo and a group.

In this unit, you will learn how to respond to a given stimulus as part of a group, using research, discussion and practical exploration to develop performance material and later present an informal presentation of the work to an invited audience. As a member of a team, you will contribute to the creative development and rehearsal process, shaping and refining the work and applying performance and teamwork skills. You will share responsibility for creative decisions regarding the nature and direction of the intended performance, and your individual contribution will reflect your own skills through the group's interests and ideas. The workshop performance will be an opportunity to try out the work before an audience to invite discussion and evaluation of its potential.

This unit will prepare you for progression to higher education as well as careers in the performing arts industry. The experience, skills and knowledge gained through this unit are applicable to a range of job roles, including performing, directing, choreography, devising, Theatre in Education

(TIE) and project leadership.

Unit 27: Musical Theatre Technique

Level: 3 Unit type: External Guided learning hours: 120

Learners explore key features of musical theatre, developing specialist skills and techniques as a musical theatre performer combining acting, singing and dance skills for a performance.

In this unit, you will develop the skills required to be a musical theatre performer by participating in technique classes, rehearsals and final performance. By learning about the key features of musical theatre performance you will develop an understanding of the skills and techniques required to create a successful performance. You will reflect on your progress as you develop skills and techniques in acting, singing and dance, setting targets and reviewing your progress.

Musical theatre is a significant area of employment in the performing arts industry with opportunities for chorus and ensemble work as well as solo/leading roles. The skills you develop in this unit will open up possibilities to be a performer that can work in a wide range of performance contexts as well as providing a platform for further study in acting, dance and/or music performance.

General information

All Modules are assessed internally and then externally verified. They will include the following sorts of work:

You will be working in the Theatre, Dance and Drama Studios and Music Suite with specialist staff and visiting professional practitioners.

Regular visits to a range of local and national Performing Arts Venues will be arranged.

Assessment is continuous and evidence based. Students will put together portfolios for each module demonstrating their work and skill development. Evidence is often through audio and video recordings and teacher observations. You will also be required to keep a weekly journal detailing progress made in taught sessions and in individual rehearsal sessions.

Grades awarded will be either at Pass, Merit or Distinction or Distinction* and are equivalent to 1 A Level grade.

Please note that all students will be required to sing, dance and act throughout the course.

Important Documents

Questions or Queries?

Should you have any queries or comments please contact Miss Duncombe (Sixth Form Admissions Officer) by either:

Email: sixthformadmissions@sandwellacademy.com

Or by post:

Sixth Form Admissions Officer,
Sandwell Academy,
Halfords Lane,
West Bromwich,
West Midlands,
B71 4LG.

Please ensure that the correct postage is paid for the size of envelope used.