BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts - IBCP

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th June 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x grade 4-9 including Maths & English at G5

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

IBCP students will take a minimum of three courses of study. All of these will be Level 3 courses (A/AS Level equivalent). The courses will be a combination of vocational BTEC qualification (equivalent to up to 3 A Levels, approximately 10 hours of study per week) and 2 IB subjects (approx. AS level each and studied for 5 hours a fortnight). If you select this subject you must also select two IB subjects in your application.

Studying BTEC Performing Arts here at King Ethelbert School we pride ourselves on delivering an exciting and unique performing arts experience that focuses on the individual student. Here are some of the reasons why KES is right for you:

• ‘Triple Threat’ training in acting, dancing & singing
• Tutors with professional industry experience and contacts with a wide range of performing artists and stage school
• Small class sizes meaning more one to one attention
• Great rapport with your peers and tutors
• Bespoke curriculum tailor-made to your needs and interests
• 10 hours a week contact time in PA lessons
• A relaxed and independent atmosphere where personal challenge and high expectation is at the heart of everything we do
• Regular one to one tutor support and feedback
• Regular free singing lessons with a professional singer
• One to one TRINITY sessions available with a professional coach
• Step by step support through the stage school/university application process including writing personal statements and the selection of audition material
• Industry standard headshots, CVs & audition technique classes, free of charge.
• Regular opportunity to work with professionals outside the school
• Performances that are placed in a real context using a variety of different venues
• The opportunity to work with and lead younger students and the wider community through performance projects
• Financial support with development opportunities and subsidised theatre trips (if possible)
• Creative ownership and control over performance projects
• Regular trips and visits to performance events
• Active and exciting links with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Marlowe Theatre, Frantic Assembly, Turner Contemporary and Dreamland
• Mirrored dance studio, fully equipped black box drama studio, drama rehearsal studio, recording studio

Example units:

• Script Writing
• — Acting Styles
• — Musical Theatre Performance
• — Acting for Auditions / Acting for TV/Film
• — Singing Technique
• — Choreographing Dances
• — Urban Dance
• — Jazz Dance
• — Developing Physical Theatre
• — The Practise of Directing Theatre

For entry into King Ethelbert School Sixth Form all students must attain 5 grades between Grade 9 and Grade 4 (or equivalent) with a Grade 5 in both English Language and Mathematics.

If you successfully complete the first year and wish to continue studying you can continue onto the second year to achieve either the Diploma (12 units, the equivalent to two A Levels), or Extended Diploma (18 units, the equivalent to three A Levels).On successful completion of the Extended Diploma, you could progress onto the College’s HNC in Performing Arts, and then could progress onto the second year of an Undergraduate degree at University in a related subject such as Dance Education and Performing Arts at Canterbury Christ Church University, which incorporates Performance in Education. Former students have gone onto work for Disney, in West End theatres, Haven and Pontins, as well as gaining recording contracts both as individuals and in bands. Alternatively, you could seek employment on cruise ships, in holiday camps or arts administration. Many companies employ students with Performing Arts qualifications as they have excellent communication, leadership and team skills.