Performing Arts (Performance) Level 2 BTEC Diploma

Curriculum Area: Performing Arts, Media and Film

Performing Arts Level 2 BTEC Diploma

This is a practical one year course equivalent to 4 GCSE grades A*-C. It is designed for level 2 students who primarily enjoy acting and performance. The core elements are acting It also allows students to develop specialist areas and skills in performance of particular interest to them; in particular, Dance, Music or Technical theatre and backstage production.

There is a focus on understanding the theatre as an industry, and to make the course vocational and practical, linked to employment and real life settings. It is designed to provide you with a range of skills, some of which you will develop from school, and some of which will be new to you. They are all practical in nature. The specialist units let you either develop acting further, or learn skills in music and dance. The optional units offer genuine individual learning options for students to extend their performance skills, including backstage work and technical theatre experience.

Course Structure

The course is made up of a number of core compulsory mandatory units, a choice of one specialist unit, and a number of units specially selected to meet the needs and develop the skills of the students.

Subsidiary Core Units (all compulsory) Working in the performing arts industry Professional development in the performing arts industry Performing Arts production process Specialist Units (Student picks one of these dependent on specific interests Development of Drama Development of Dance Development of Music Optional Units Crewing for Stage performance (backstage and stage management, although lighting and sound specific units are available if there is demand). Performing scripted plays Working as a musical ensemble

Teaching and Learning

Lessons are a mixture of practical workshops and theory based lessons aimed to provide you with the necessary key skills required for further training in this area at level 3 courses in college, or even get access to work and apprenticeships in the theatre.

Enrichment

There are numerous trips to the theatres locally and beyond. You will be expected to see Theatre in a multitude of forms. Skills workshops are available in addition to lessons, and will be delivered by acting, dance or music teachers.

As this is a very practical course, and looking to use real theatre experiences wherever possible, there is an expectation that students will be available to perform in a range of small scale shows throughout the year, usually in the evenings, and also students should all experience being part of a supporting backstage crew.

Assessment

Assignments are both internally and externally marked on a regular basis. Students are expected to work independently to keep their folders updated, to include detailed information about their personal development in all areas. Performances will be assessed, but all work will also need to be accompanied by research, rehearsal and evaluative notes in a written portfolio folder. There are no exams.

Resources

The facilities relating to Performing Arts include:

• Fully equipped performance space including substantial sound and lighting systems
• Excellent state of the art backstage equipment
• A bespoke Dance studio with sprung floor.

Progression

Level 2 BTECs are a way to gain qualifications to move on to level 3 BTECs and A level courses at college. There is a clear progression to level 3 Performing Arts (Acting), or Performing Arts (Music Theatre) as well as Music courses, Drama AS or other performing arts courses. Students can go on and enter careers such as Acting, Theatre backstage production and management etc. The course would also be a foundation from which to aim for Higher Education courses such as BA Hons degree in Drama, Performing Arts, or go to a Performing Arts or Drama School, or continue to study BTECs courses at a higher National Diploma level.

Entry Requirements

Good general GCSE profile, with a range of D and E grades, or Level 2 BTECs qualifications. You will also need to be a confident performer, open to being on stage, and developing your performance skills. You need to be prepared to give things a go, and work as a team. Experience of being in plays or performances is highly desirable.

Charges

There are no direct charges on this course. However, we will also run regular trips which are not funded.