BTEC Performing Arts
The Performing Arts industry is one of the most demanding and to be successful you will need to have a thorough understanding of this sector. This subject is both an alternative and complementary subject for Music and Drama.
What is the exam board and specification?
The Exam Board is Pearson (BTEC)
The Specification is BTEC Level 2 Technical Award in Performing Arts
What is this subject?
The Performing Arts industry is one of the most demanding and to be successful you will need to have a thorough understanding of this sector. This subject is both an alternative and complementary subject for Music and Drama. This is a hands on course for those who have a genuine love of, Dance and Musical Theatre and allows you to experience first-hand what it is like to work in the Performing Arts as both a creative and a performer allowing you to develop your skills as well as your understanding of the arts sector that contributes £10.8 Billion a year to the UK economy*.
What will you study?
You will study three units:-
Unit 1: Exploring the Performing Arts (30%)
In this unit, you will develop your understanding of the performing arts by examining the work of performing arts professionals and the processes used to create performance.
Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts (30%)
In this unit you will develop your own performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting, dance and/or musical theatre repertoire as performers or designers.
Unit 3: Responding to a brief (40%)
In this unit you will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to contribute to a workshop performance as either a performer or a designer in response to a brief and stimulus set by the exam board.
How will you be assessed?
Whilst there are no formal examinations in this subject you will undertake extended assessments which are set by the exam board and externally moderated for units 1 & 2. The length of assessment time for unit 1 is 12 hours, and 15 hours for unit 2 Unit 3 is externally assessed in the final year of the course and is allocated eight hours of preparation time and then three hours of supervised assessment.
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
You will need to have a passion for the Performing Arts and be prepared to explore unfamiliar styles and genres in order to develop your skills and potential performer. As this is a hands-on course, you will need to “want” to take part in school performances, trips and work outside of timetabled sessions to achieve your best. The most successful students that take this course have a genuine passion and commitment to Performing Arts and who wish to succeed.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
Once you have completed the qualification, you will have developed a practical understanding of the performing arts industry, and the roles and responsibilities of the people involved in performing arts industries. Because you will be building useful skills, which are not generally covered in GCSE courses, you will have a better understanding of whether the performing arts industry is for you. This will allow you to decide whether this is an area you want to continue to study. The course will also help you to develop specific skills and knowledge, such as self- evaluation and group work, which will benefit you wherever you progress to next.
This course is a ideal starting point for our Level 3 course at KWSixth either on its own or in combination with A levels.
Who should I contact for further information?
Mr Bullock: j.bullock@kwschool.co.uk
*Arts Council / ONS