Performing Arts KS4

BTEC Level 1/2 Award in Performing Arts 

Exam Board – Edexcel/Pearson

Grades – Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction*

Assessment – Coursework Portfolios; Live Performance and an External Assessment in year 11.

The course is routed within the Performing Arts Industry and the units that will be studied will enable you to specialise within an area from the Industry. The focus at Dyson Perrins will be upon Acting, Production and Musical Theatre skills with key concepts and principles closely related to the world of Performing Arts.

The course is entirely equivalent to a GCSE in Drama and will allow students to access the same progression routes once they have completed Key Stage 4. These routes could be A’ Level subjects; BTEC Level 3 qualifications or work within the Industry.

The Units that you will study are as follows:

Unit 1 – Individual Showcase (External Assessment)

This is an externally assessed unit that will require you to present two audition monologues based on a theme set by the Board. You will also complete a controlled assessment which will take the form of a letter where you apply for a “role” within the Industry. You will be taught how to prepare for an audition and how to present yourself formally via letter.

Unit 2 – Preparation; Performance; Production (Internal Assessment)

In this unit you will learn how to develop a performance piece as a member of a fictional performance company. You will take on a specific performing or production role and will prepare for, and produce, a performance by carrying out tasks that are appropriate to your role. No matter what role you undertake, you will also need to explore the performance piece you are working on. Students are currently working on extracts from “Grease The Musical” and they will stage their work to an audience shortly.

Unit 3 – Acting Skills (Internal Assessment)

This unit is about starting you on your journey to becoming a professional actor. You will be introduced to important acting skills and will learn about the specific demands that acting makes on the body and mind. In particular, you will undertake a programme of regular exercises to help you master the techniques that will enable you to control and use your voice and body to communicate a character or role. As well as physical skills, you will need to use your imagination to create characters or roles. This unit will, therefore, also help you to hone your mental skills.

You must be committed to creating performance work and to forming excellent group collaboration; these are essential qualities that you should bring with you to the course. You should also be fully aware that there will be a substantial amount of ongoing written work to support your performance skills.