Performing Arts

What does the course involve?

An industry-focused experience with real-world skills so it almost feels like you’re working in a professional theatre company from day one. You’ll develop your acting, or writing and directing skills if you choose to focus your energy on those pathways later on, while our professional links with theatres in the city will bring you extra opportunities for experience in the industry. The BTEC in Performing Arts Practice is equivalent to one and a half A Levels and highly practical so we are always working on a performance and developing our performing skills. Written aspects of the course are always linked with performing opportunities, whether public or in-house, and we have the flexibility to assess you when you’re ready to be assessed – not just at set points – so this feels fun and exciting rather than stressful and theoretical. You’ll explore a range of plays, acting styles and techniques through workshops and performances. You’ll see professional theatre productions and attend workshops run by professional artists, including West End stars from productions such as Hamilton, Legally Blonde and School of Rock. Actors from Netflix’s ‘The One’ and ‘Topboy’ have delivered fantastic sessions to our classes about working in the industry and their experiences. We now also have a partnership with the Birmingham REP that allows us to work with directors both in college and at the REP and help to develop their productions. Performing Arts students also study the LAMDA Certificate in Musical Theatre, Acting and Devised Drama as an additional qualification.

Course Outline

Activities vary from year to year but generally involve trips out to the theatre or to workshops plus in-house visits from professional or experienced artistes. Students are advised of local auditions and any chances to perform and supported in their applications to them. Last year’s students toured local schools with their devised children’s theatre piece which was rapturously received. We now have a partnership with the Birmingham REP that allows us to work with directors both in college and at the REP including several performances in their theatre.

Course Components
The course consists of two modules spread over two years:
Module A:
Performing Arts Skills Development – Exploring Performance Styles
Creating Performance Material
Performing for an Audience

Module F:
The Performing Arts Industry
Planning a Career in the Industry

Assessment
All units are internally assessed and externally verified. Most of the units involve an element of performance combined with research and reflection demonstrated through an actor’s log-book and/or evaluative essay.

Coursework 
The course is constructed around six assignments which include the assessment and grading criteria of the specification. The evidence for these can be offered in a variety of divergent forms including class presentations, closed or public performances, written or recorded reports, performance observations and time-constrained assessments.

Examination 
This course has no externally set exam.

Exam Board
Edexcel and Pearson