Studying Performing Arts Practice BTEC at Esher Sixth Form College

Students on stage performing Hairspray the musical

Solo female performer on stage in Hamilton performance

Group of students singing and dancing on stage as part of a Wicked performance

Sophie With performign arts Students Sitting

Performing Arts Practice BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma, equivalent to 1.5 A Levels. 

This course develops knowledge of performance styles, eg physical theatre, musical theatre, movement and scripted performance. You will learn to demonstrate a range of performance skills, techniques, and creative and technical skills when creating performance material. You will work on various performance pieces including audition pieces, researching job roles within the industry and completing work experience placements.

In addition to the College Entry Requirements, to qualify for this course you will also need to achieve a minimum of:’

• Grade 4 in English Language GCSE
• Some experience of two of the three art forms (dance, drama, singing), whether through GCSE or other lessons/grade exams out of school.

There are two modules assessed through four assessment units, with each assessment unit attracting a grade:

Exploring Performance Styles Unit A1 will allow you to explore different genres and types of performance across history, with a big focus on musical theatre. As part of this you will look at different practitioners.

Creating Performance Material Unit A2 and Unit A3 will enable you to build your physical techniques and vocal skills through a series of workshops and projects, as well as work on creating performance pieces and then performing them. You will learn how to work as a team, generate ideas, revise those ideas and respond to constructive criticism. You will also have to think carefully about the context in which your pieces will be performed, as part of the planning and evaluation process.

Unit F16 prepares you for employment/UCAS applications/ apprenticeships/jobs/auditions. It requires you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the performing arts industry, including roles, organisations, future developments and capitalising on job opportunities. It will help you to manage being self employed.

The Foundation Diploma course develops independent learners and excellent team workers which is what the industry requires.

Assessment is through coursework in accordance with national grading criteria (Pearson Edexcel) and is assessed by course tutors.

You will complete written assignments, presentations, interviews and a practical skill /performance portfolio with work filmed at regular intervals.

Performing Arts Practice BTEC works well with a variety of subjects. Some students who study Performing Arts might do English, Fashion, Photography, Art, Media Studies, BTEC Media, Film Studies or History. Other students choose to study Performing Arts as a contrasting subject and might be studying Mathematics, Sciences or Humanities subjects such as Geography.

What is the difference between Drama & Theatre and BTEC Performing Arts?
The BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts Practice involves music, dance and acting and is more flexible so you can play to your strengths and can follow a Musical Theatre pathway if needed.

Performing Arts Practice BTEC has a strong focus on rehearsal and performance work. It is a vocational course, which develops the performer for a career in the industry. The lessons are practically based. In contrast, Drama and Theatre A Level has a stronger theoretical component and requires the study of specific plays. There is also a heavier written element and the practical work is predominantly based around acting skills.

If you are unsure about which course to take, please consult with the appropriate Heads of Department for those courses.

What extra support/enrichment activities are on offer?
Professional companies come to college to perform and take workshops with the students e.g. Sleeping Trees from Chichester University, Frantic Assembly, Re-Bourne (Matthew Bourne’s Dance Company). There is an extensive theatre trips programme to shows including; Six, Matilda, Blood Wedding, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, The Jungle, Cirque du Soleil and Mamma Mia (an ex-student is in this show).

What skills will I need and develop on this course?
You will need some skills in at least two of the three art forms: dance, drama and singing.

Performing Arts Practice BTEC is a highly respected qualification with 90% of Performing Arts students going on to university.

Here are some typical university destinations that our Performing Arts students go on to. Click on a destination to see some examples of courses they have taken;