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Performing Arts A-level

This is an exciting and innovative new course, equivalent to one A-level.

It gives a broad introduction to the Performing Arts Sector in Drama, Dance, Music and Musical Theatre with emphasis on core knowledge and fundamental, transferable skills. This is part of a programme of study allowing you to undertake 2/3 other A-level subjects keeping a broad academic range of subjects. It offers a vocational perspective on performing arts industries and is designed to provide a progression route to higher education and further training in the performing arts sector.


Why Performing Arts?

  • Performing Arts is a fantastic course if you are considering a career in the performing arts industry or wish to study a subject with a really practical approach.
  • Performing Arts in an exciting and enjoyable course with a lot of practical work, in-depth study of scripts and theatre practitioners and the opportunity to take part in many performances throughout the course.
  • The course caters for all abilities and all disciplines within the performing arts industry and will prepare you well for further study at a specialist performing arts college, dance school, drama school, music conservatoire or university.


Any special requirements?

Some previous study in either drama, dance, performing arts or music is essential. You should be a competent performer in your chosen medium and you should have some experience of what is required for this kind of course.


What will I study and how will it be assessed?

Students undertaking the Foundation Diploma will be expected to use some enrichment time and personal study time to complete all six units below.

Those studying the extended certificate will study units 1 - 3 and ONE optional unit.

  • Unit 1 - Investigating Practitioners Work (Externally Assessed)
  • Unit 2 - Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance (Internally Assessed with Portfolio of Evidence)
  • Unit 3 - Group Performance Workshop (Portfolio and Digital Process Log Externally Assessed)
  • Unit 4 - Performing Arts in the Community (Internally Assessed Portfolio)

Optional units chosen from below, either one or two, depending on the course:

  • Interpreting Classical Text for Performance
  • Acting Styles
  • Improvisation
  • Movement in Performance
  • Variety Performance
  • Classical Ballet Technique
  • Tap Dance technique
  • Jazz Dance Technique
  • Street Dance Technique
  • Contemporary Dance Technique
  • Healthy Dancer
  • Choreography for live performance
  • Theatre Directing
  • Writing for Performance
  • Developing the Voice for Performance
  • Singing Techniques for Performers
  • Musical Theatre techniques
  • Physical Theatre Techniques
  • Storytelling
  • Stand-up Comedy Technique (Internally Assessed with Portfolio of Evidence)