BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by higher education and the industry of performing arts as a signature vocational qualification. They provide progress to a higher level of study or work placements within the performing arts sector.

Students applying for the course should have either a background in performance, as either an actor, singer or dancer, or they could have studied GCSE Drama, Dance, or have a BTEC Tech Award Level 1 or Level 2 in Acting, Dance or Performing Arts. 

If you have not previously studied these subjects at Key Stage 4, you could have been part of a performance group, youth theatre company, dance group, musical theatre group or choir in previous years. Students will be required to perform as part of the course. If you have no previous experience, you will be required to audition for a place on the course.

The course is made up of four units, of which three are mandatory and two are externally assessed.

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners

You will investigate the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work.

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

You will explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles.

Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop

You will explore and integrate creative, physical and vocal skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus.

• Contemporary Dance Techniques
• Acting Styles
• Musical Theatre Techniques

The course is made up of 4 units, of which 3 are mandatory, 2 are externally assessed. Mandatory units include: Unit 1 Investigating Practitioners, Unit 2 Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance and Unit 3 Group Performance Workshop. Optional units will include Unit 12 Contemporary Dance Techniques, Unit 19 Acting Styles and Unit 27 Musical Theatre Techniques.  

All teachers are specialists in their area and can also teach across the Performing Arts Department. Each teacher has also contributed to extracurricular activities across the school, including the whole school musical of Grease, Drama Club, School of Rock, Choir and Dance academy. 

BTEC Level 3 Sport and arts based A Levels.

BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by higher education and the industry of Performing Arts as a signature vocational qualification. They provide progress to a higher level of study or work placements within the Performing Arts. 62% of larger companies have recruited employees with BTEC qualifications. BTEC Nationals are accepted by over 150 UK Universities and higher education institutes. The qualification gives learners specialist skills and training in the Performing Arts to allow them to enter apprenticeships or other employment within the industry.  

The Extended Certificate is for learners who are interested in learning about the performing arts sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in performing arts. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels and is equivalent, in size and value, to one A Level.