PERFORMING ARTS (ACTING) (FULL-TIME COURSE)

BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts

We are delighted to introduce our new BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts—a two‑year, full‑time Level 3 qualification designed for students who are passionate about performance and want to progress to higher education, professional training or employment in the creative industries.

What the course offers

The qualification provides a broad, industry‑focussed study of performance (acting, dance, musical theatre or a mix) combined with opportunities to specialise and build a strong portfolio. It is equivalent to three A‑Levels and gives learners the practical, creative and reflective skills needed for progression.

Why this course is valuable

Vocational and practical – real experience of performance, rehearsal, production and self‑promotion.

Fosters transferable skills – confidence, communication, teamwork, time management.

Opens progression pathways – drama school, conservatoires, university degrees or employment in theatres, companies or creative agencies.

What this means for your child

Students will spend two years immersed in performing arts: analysing professional work, honing their craft, creating and performing regularly, and building a personal performance profile. They’ll gain professional awareness and career guidance, preparing them for higher education or industry entry.

We look forward to discussing this course with you at our open evening!

Core (mandatory) units

Unit 1 – Investigating Practitioners’ Work: Learners explore the work of influential performers, companies and choreographers, analysing creative intention, context, production and repertoire.

Unit 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance: Introduces and develops the technical performance skills (vocal, physical, interpretative) needed across the performing arts.

Unit 3 – Group Performance Workshop: Students collaborate to respond to stimulus material, develop ideas through rehearsal and present a live workshop performance.

Unit 4 – Performing Arts in the Community: Applying performing arts skills in community or outreach settings, reinforcing transferable skills such as teamwork and communication.

Unit 5 – Individual Performance Commission: Students respond individually to a commission brief, develop and rehearse performance material, and reflect on their process.

Unit 6 – Final Live Performance to an Audience: A culminating performance to a real audience, bringing together skills, rehearsal and production values.

Unit 7 – Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts: Learners gain insight into the industry, careers, how to market themselves and the skills employers value.

Optional units

Students can tailor their experience through optional specialist units such as:

Acting Styles

Theatre Directing

Screen Acting

Singing Techniques for Performance

Musical Theatre Techniques

Jazz / Tap / Street / Contemporary Dance Technique

Physical Theatre Techniques

Choreography for Live Performance

Writing for Performance

Delivery:

Learning is highly practical and project-based, combining workshops, rehearsals, written reflections, and group work. Students learn through real-world scenarios that mirror professional industry practice.

Assessment:

There are no external written exams. Instead, assessment is internally set and externally moderated by Pearson.

Evidence may include performances, rehearsal diaries, portfolios, presentations, and reflective journals.

Assessment focuses on creativity, process, collaboration, and evaluative thinking.

Grade 4 in Maths

Grade 4 in English

(we offer one resit for either Maths or English but not combined under a grade 4)

Creative subject grade 4

4 subjects at a Grade 4

(We are open to discussion if these grades are borderline)

This qualification provides a strong foundation for progression into:

Higher Education:

Degree or diploma courses in Acting, Performing Arts, Dance, Musical Theatre, Drama, Stage Production, or related creative industries.

Careers:

Actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, director, theatre technician, community arts worker, arts administrator, or teacher.

It also supports transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving, useful in many career paths.