Route Detail

This is a practical course which creates a realistic experience of working within a range of production scenarios. You will get hands-on experience through The Backstage Centre, our world-class facility and venue. Study trips will include backstage tours at large scale London theatres.

The qualification is also appropriate for learners wishing to continue their education post-GCSE through applied learning, within a professional context in which they can work alongside industry experts to gain first-hand experience of the operational processes of events in creative venues. There are no age restrictions for this qualification.

Success on this course relies on commitment and communication. Responsibilities will include attending production meetings and meeting deadlines. This is a ‘hands on’ course which encourages good timekeeping, communication and effective problem solving.

Unit Information

Year One:
• Principles of Performance - provides the student with an introduction to a range of activities essential to the development and delivery of a performance. It will introduce the basic elements of drama, dance and music, the process of rehearsal, production and delivery of a performance, and impart an understanding of performing arts as a collaborative activity.
• Engaging with an Audience - provides the student with an introduction to oral, written and visual communication in the performing arts. The student will explore and analyse meaning and how to convey a message to an audience through voice and performance.
• Introduction to Professional Practice - provides the student with an introduction to the diversity of roles, responsibilities, employment and progression opportunities available within the sector. It will also introduce the student to the importance of health and safety as integral to the performer and production, and an understanding of the personal and professional characteristics needed for a career in the performing arts.
• Critical and Contextual Awareness - provides the student with an introduction to the investigation of both historical and contemporary context. Through a thematic approach to the subject the student will research a broad range of perspectives that influence the development of ideas within the performing arts.
• Production Skills and Context - provides the student with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and understanding, and to explore the specific skills and attributes required for production and design in the performing arts.
• Performance Skills and Context - provides the student with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and understanding acquired in Units 1–4, and to explore the specific skills and attributes required for performance in the performing arts.
• Preparation for Specialist Study - provides the student with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and understanding acquired in Units 1–4, and to explore the specific skills and attributes required for their own personal practice.
• Collaborative Performance Project - will require the student to make use of the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in Units 5–7 to complete a collaborative project. It will provide the student with a measure of self-directed learning, and an opportunity to begin to clarify their longer-term goals through their choice of an activity to explore in greater depth.

Year Two:
• Developing Performance and Production Skills - will require the student, to enter into a more formal dialogue of personal interrogation and diagnosis designed to identify strengths, enthusiasms and ambitions within a specific pathway. The unit will enable the student to develop the requisite artistic, professional and vocational skills necessary for progression within their chosen discipline.
• Preparing for Progression - will require the student, through a process of research, dialogue, reflection and evaluation, to identify and prepare for specific Higher Education or employment progression routes appropriate to their ambitions. The unit will enable the student to demonstrate the requisite practical, intellectual and communication skills necessary for progression.
• Exploration of Specialist Study and Context - will require the student to research and critically examine the influence of historical and contemporary contexts on the development of ideas and how this has informed their own practice. The unit will enable the student to demonstrate their understanding of the audience and to present the range of skills and knowledge acquired in their chosen discipline.
• Extended Project - provides an opportunity for the student to confirm their chosen specialism by engaging in activity related to their discipline(s) of choice. It is expected that they will take ownership of their learning by responding positively to the greater opportunities for individual expression and creativity afforded and demonstrate their ability to competently use the range of skills acquired throughout the course. Students will be expected to demonstrate the capacity to initiate, research, develop, implement, reflect and evaluate a substantial project in preparation for Higher Education or employment in their chosen performing arts discipline.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at A*-C or equivalent (including English), or Merit in a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in a related subject

Potential Future Careers

Fees/Funding