Music (Performing) - 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.

Music is a powerful gift that can change our lives in a variety of ways. In listening, performing and composing, music can portray emotions that words cannot, instantly affect our mood, enhance our understanding of the world and grants an opportunity to express ourselves. Music is part of our daily life as well as a key focus within our communities and school.

Music is taught in our well-facilitated department to accommodate all musicians regardless of their specialism. The course offers an excellent opportunity for musicians to perform at Woodville Halls and also in our state of the art Heart-Space, as well as developing songwriting skills and an essential knowledge of theory that will lay the foundation for the future. Students will also gain an insight into how the music industry works with talks from professionals in this sector. The course is designed to give students the best opportunity to further their skills at University or undertake one of the many jobs available after the completion of the course.

The course consists of two compulsory core units plus a choice of four units from a range of specialist areas.

Unit 22: Music Performance session styles

This unit develops your ability to reproduce the authentic sounds and performance characteristics of historically and culturally important genres and artists

Unit 23: Music Performance Techniques (Core Unit)

This Unit develops your techniques for both solo and group performance.

Unit 24: Music Project

In this unit you are required to plan, prepare for and deliver a large-scale music concert

Unit 30: Pop music in practice

This unit is designed to expand your knowledge of pop music.

Unit 33: Solo Music Performance Skills

(Core Unit)

This unit enables the continued development of the specific skills required by a solo performer

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 and dedication in rehearsal, as well as on your performances. You will also be assessed on written work in the form of research and portfolios.

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 Music has not been studied at BTEC Level 2 or GCSE, an audition will be required to gain

admission to the course

Students often further their skills at degree level by studying Music or Music Technology. There is also the opportunity to specialise in specific fields such as Music Therapy, Performance, Composition, Technology, or Teaching. There are also a range of apprenticeships available in the Music Industry sector leading to careers in Management, A&R, Artist Representation, Promotion, Marketing, and Media.