Who is the course for?

This is a new course for September 2011.

This is a vocational course for students interested in pursuing a career in the Performing Arts or for students that are interested in and enjoy performing and who wish to continue to develop their performing skills. This course emphasises acting, dance and music theatre performance, and can be taken in conjunction with AS level subjects or GCSE re-sits.

The BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Performing Arts is the equivalent of an AS Level. If a student successfully completes the Certificate they may progress to a second year to complete the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts which is the equivalent of an A Level.

The course involves detailed study of every aspect of performing. Students must demonstrate a high standard of academic, practical performance and theoretical skills. Students are required to perform in public and attend dance and theatre performances.

Students wishing to do the course must have at least five GCSEs at Grade A* – C. GCSE English Language is required, plus GCSE Maths or Science at Grades A* – C. Previous performance experience is an advantage. Entry is by audition.

Content outline

For the Certificate in Performing Arts students must satisfactorily complete one mandatory unit (Performing to an Audience) plus an additional two optional units.

For the Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts students must satisfactorily complete all of the above requirements for the Certificate plus an additional three optional units.

Optional units include the following:

• Classical Theatre Performance
• Contemporary Theatre Performance
• Musical Theatre Performance
• Principles of Acting
• The Performance of Mime
• Singing Skills for Actors and Dancers
• Dance Performance
• Choreographic Principles
• Developing Contemporary Dance Technique
• Jazz Dance

Barnturp Exchange 2011

The Barntrup exchange, Germany, provided an opportunity for performing arts students to experience the rigours of professional touring. The students were responsible for packing in preparation for the tour, setting up, warming up vocally and physically and rehearsing in order to adjust to a new performance venue. They had photo calls and displayed their singing , acting and dancing skills in three performances of ‘Ein Medley von Musicals’, which included the first act of ‘The Fantasticks’ and numbers from ‘A Chorus Line’, ‘Avenue Q’ and ‘Rent’.

The three audiences, almost 1000 people in total, were very different but were all responsive and very impressed with the talent displayed on stage. There were excellent reviews in the German press and, as all students hope to pursue a career in the performing arts, Barntrup 2011 was an invaluable experience for them.

Here is a short video clip of Amber Devine, Daniel Ash and company performing "Sing!" from the musical "A Chorus Line".