Performing Arts BTEC

Course Code
Performing Arts BTEC
Course Type
Course Duration
2 years
Location
Cadbury College
Start Date
1 September, 2025
Students singing in performing arts lesson

Level 3 Creative and Performing Arts course is designed for individuals aged 16-19 with a genuine passion for performance who are eager to develop their skills in a dynamic, practical, and hands-on environment. It’s ideal for students who thrive in vocational settings; those who learn best through doing, performing, and engaging directly with the creative process.

Throughout the course, students explore a variety of approaches to acting, and in their second year, they have the opportunity to specialise in either acting or musical theatre, allowing them to tailor their training to their interests and career goals. Students are given access to high-quality performance opportunities, and their learning is supported through a plethora of enrichment opportunities including trips and guest speakers.

Modules:

  • Approaches to Acting – Explore the methods of four key practitioners, examining how their techniques can be applied in performance. Students will then select one practitioner’s approach to focus on for their final assessment.
  • Live Performance – Apply the skills developed in Approaches to Acting, along with newly introduced musical theatre techniques, to perform in front of a live audience. Students may choose to present an extract from a play or musical, or devise an original piece.
  • Auditions for Actors – Gain a clear understanding of the audition process and participate in mock auditions that reflect current industry practice. These auditions will include feedback from a panel of industry professionals.
  • Final Production – In the second year, students will work collaboratively through all stages of a full-scale production: from concept development and auditioning, to rehearsals, set and costume design, and culminating in a live performance.

To study a BTEC level 3 course, students are required to achieve a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths & English.

Students on this course benefit from a wide range of trips and visits:

  • West End & Winter Wonderland Day-Trip – A full-day excursion to London to see a West End show and enjoy Winter Wonderland.
  • Free Theatre Visits in Birmingham – Theatre outings including Q&A sessions at performances by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and a show at Birmingham Hippodrome.
  • Residential Trips – Alternating annually between:
    A two-day London residential to see two theatre shows
    A performance opportunity at Disneyland Paris where students perform on stage.
  • Workshops
  • Guest Lecturers – Sessions led by visiting professionals, including Applied Theatre students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, actors (from Hamilton and Cabaret previously), and representatives from the Oxford School of Drama (offering free auditions to second-year students) and the National Youth Theatre (also providing free auditions).
  • External Workshops – using our partnership with the Birmingham Hippodrome to take part in workshops with visiting companies such as Frantic Assembly.
  • Free Level 3 Acting & Musical Theatre LAMDA Exams – Students can take LAMDA exams at no cost, earning valuable UCAS points.

At Cadbury College, we believe education goes beyond the classroom. Our diverse and inclusive enrichment programme offers a wide range of activities designed to help you explore your interests, build confidence, and develop valuable skills for university and the workplace.

From creative and academic clubs to sports, volunteering, and leadership opportunities, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include:

  • High Achievers Programme – Support for high-achieving students applying to top universities.

  • Envision – A chance to develop employability skills by tackling real-life social issues.

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award – Take on the challenge of the prestigious Silver or Gold Award.

  • Medicine Society – Specialist guidance for aspiring medical students, in partnership with local universities.

  • Five-a-Side Football or Basketball – Join Cadbury’s own league and enjoy competitive, inclusive football or basketball with friends.

  • Bar Mock Trial – Step into the courtroom and compete nationally in this programme for future legal professionals.

Whatever your passion, enrichment at Cadbury College gives you the chance to grow, connect, and make the most of your time here.

All modules are internally assessed against a range of criteria. Each module features a significant performance element, but students are also required to complete written work that reflects their creative process; this includes research, preparation, and a critical evaluation of their performance.

This course allows for greater flexibility, as each module’s overall grade is calculated based on the average of grades across specific criteria. This can be especially beneficial for students who may find it challenging to express their reflections in writing. However, it is important to note that written work is still a compulsory part of the course: every student must submit it in order to pass.

After completion of this course, students are well-prepared for a range of progression pathways. Many go on to study at university or specialist drama schools, pursuing degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, Drama, Film Studies, or related creative subjects. Others choose foundation courses or industry-focused training to further develop their skills. The course also opens up opportunities for apprenticeships in theatre, media, or technical production roles.

Students can also move directly into employment within the creative industries, including theatre production, community arts, or education-based roles such as drama workshop leaders. For those interested in self-employment, the course supports understanding of what it means to launch a career in the Arts.

With UCAS points equivalent to A-levels, the qualification also supports applications to a wide range of university courses beyond the performing arts.

Course Details

Exam Board
Qualification

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