Drama (Performing Arts - Acting) - BTEC Level 3 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.

Why choose Acting?

Acting and drama is a dynamic practice that introduces you to a world of wonder and play. It encourages you to continue questioning, exploring and teasing out new ideas and ways of living and thinking. Acting and drama is not about being the best performer or the next Hollywood star, it is about creating and making, exploring and responding in the search of our true selves and meaningful connections with others and the world around us.

Actors need to develop many skills to be able to work, rehearse and perform in a range of acting styles. Exploring the approaches and techniques used by different theatre practitioners and/or theatre companies will help you to develop and adapt your acting and performance skills. This will make you a more versatile actor, opening up possibilities for you to work in a broad range of styles.

Skills you will gain:

• Oral Communication Skills.
• Creative Problem Solving Abilities.
• Motivation and Commitment.
• Willingness to Work Cooperatively
• The Ability to Work Independently.
• Initiative.
• Work to deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure
• Adaptable and flexible

Year 12

• Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance.

• Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop

Year 13

• Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work

• Unit 19: Acting Styles

Units alternate every other year to fit class numbers.

The course is both assessed externally by PEARSON via exam, performance and controlled assessment, and assessed internally by subject teacher. You will be assessed on your contribution in workshops and in rehearsal, as well as on your performances. You will also be assessed on written work which is in the form of a research and development portfolio.

Entry Requirements:

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

- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature

- If Drama 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-round 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.

Career opportunities:

• Actor/actress.
• Stage manager.
• Arts administrator.
• Drama teacher.
• Dramatherapist.
• Television production assistant.
• Radio presenter.
• Theatre director