Performing Arts BTEC National Extended Certificate

"l regard the theatre as the great of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being." — Oscar Wilde

Drama BTEC provides students with an opportunity to develop and build upon all the skills, analysis and insights that students have gained at GCSE. The core skills of devising, performing and analysing Drama are, once again, at the centre of the course as students are given more opportunities to explore a range of texts, practitioners, theatrical styles and performance opportunities.

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners Work. Students will investigate the work of at least 2 performing arts practitioners and explore how practitioners communicate themes in their work.

Unit 2 : Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance. Students will explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least 2 performance styles.

Unit 3 : Group Performance Workshop. Students will work collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus, using a learning log to chart their progress.

Optional Unit : Currently Acting Styles. Students will research 3 contrasting acting styles and perform a text in one chosen style.

Students are assessed by an external examination in Units 1 and 3.

Students' work is assessed internally for Units 2 and 4. This work can include performances, rehearsals, presentations, interviews and evaluations, often in the form of a Performer's Diary. Each student will be set an Assignment Brief which breaks down the tasks and criteria for each unit.

Entry requirements: Grade 5 minimum in GCSE Drama or equivalent at Level 2 BTEC in Performing Arts in addition to the entry requirements for St Peter's Sixth Form.

As a Level 3 course equivalent to an A level the Performing Arts sector, specific content can lead to a degree in Creative or Expressive arts. In addition our Performing Arts students develop excellent communication, research and presentation skills and problem solving skills. Our students develop the ability to work productively in a team and can present a professional image to the public. Many employers seek these qualities in a potential candidate.