Course details

Students should ideally have a level 2 qualification in a performing arts subject. This course requires a high level of motivation, commitment, self discipline, time management and group working skills, as well as proven ability as a performer. Students will be invited to an audition following their application to the course. Their place on the course is based on GCSE results, attitude to learning, attendance and also the outcome of the audition. The level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 full A levels, and therefore takes up all the option choices for the Sixth Form.

You should have a wide interest in the Performing Arts, both as a participant and a spectator. You should be willing to challenge your own experiences and your pre-conceptions about Theatre.

As a BTEC Performing Arts student in the Sixth Form students will study a range of units covering Acting, Dance and Singing. They will be required to be in college all day Monday to Friday and when not timetabled in a lesson, there will be rehersals, meetings and research, appropriate to each unit, to be organized. Students are normally expected to use sessions after college hours to continue with rehearsing and staging performance work and are involved in the College Musical, Dance Show and Oadby and Wigston Variety Show.

There are Core Units covered over the two years; Performance Workshop, The Historical Context of Performance, The Performing Arts Business, Rehearsing and Performing. Students will also complete a minimum of 12 other units across the 3 specialist subject areas, but usually complete a few additional units to allow them to achieve the highest grades possible. Students are assessed continually and are usually expected to complete a written log book, carry out research, contact professional companies, write an evaluation as well as complete the required practical elements. The exact requirement for each unit are given to the student as Assignment Briefs, which outline tasks to be completed and how they will be assessed.

Students will have opportunities to work with professional performers and companies and there are strong links established with local performers, venues and companies.

What could I go on to do after the course?

Most students pursue Higher Education courses in Theatre, Drama or Dance. The course lends itself to performance work, but also technical theatre careers, drama/speech therapy, media work, arts administration. The skills used on this course are also transferable to all people professions such as medicine, law, teaching, youth/recreational work and social work.