Dance - BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Applications Open: 21st November 2025 (9.00am)

Applications Close: 13th February 2026 (4.00pm)

How to apply:

- All INTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Applicaa using this link (coming soon!)

- All EXTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Kent Choices using this link https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

- All correspondence between learners and the school after an application is made will be via Applicaa.

- All applicants (internal and external) will be invited in for a 1-1 guidance meeting.

- Those who have a successful guidance meeting will be offered a place to study at St John's Sixth Form from September 2026.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performance is intended as an Applied General qualification. It is designed for post-16 learners with an interest in performing arts who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A-Level and is designed to occupy one-third of a typical study program, which could include other vocational or academic qualifications, such as further BTEC Nationals or A-Levels. This qualification gives a broad introduction to the performing arts sector with an emphasis on core knowledge and fundamental skills which are transferable across other sectors (including communication, presentation, physical and creative skills). Students need to be prepared to work both practically and theoretically.

• Unit 34: Developing skills and techniques for performance - Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles.

• Unit 3: Group workshop performance - Learners explore and integrate creative, physical, and vocational skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus.

• Unit 12: Contemporary Dance - Learners develop their knowledge, skills, and techniques with an emphasis on practical development, application, and performance skills.

• Unit 11: Street dance – Learners develop their knowledge, skills, and techniques with an emphasis on practical development, application, and performance skills.

• Unit 10: Jazz Dance – Leaners develop their knowledge, skills, and techniques with an emphasis on practical development, application, and performance skills.

A minimum of 5 subjects at GCSE Grade 4/BTEC Level 2 Pass or higher:

Including

• Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature

• If Dance has not been studied at BTEC Level 2 or GCSE, an audition will be required to gain admission to the course

In addition to the performing arts sector-specific content, this qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop all-around performance skills and transferable skills such as self-confidence, self-presentation, personal discipline, time management and organisational skills which are highly regarded by higher education and employers.

In the BTEC National units, there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills. Where employability skills such as cognitive and problem-solving, intrapersonal skills, self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring, and development.