Performing Arts

Applications open: 3rd November 2025

Applications close: 21st July 2026

Please make all applications through Kent Choices.

If you have any questions please email sixthform@fulstonmanor.kent.sch.uk.

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

The BTEC course in Performing Arts is an exciting, specialist qualification with an industry focus. It will enable you to develop the necessary skills to progress to a specialist performing arts college or university course and ultimately a career in the performing arts industry. The course also allows you to develop a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.

The course consists of four units, which develop specialist skills in the individual art forms (Drama, Movement and Singing) integrated performance skills and focus on performing work to a live audience. Your own individual, group or ensemble performance will be assessed in every unit.

• To encourage students to develop knowledge and understanding of the performing arts sector.

• To develop skills, techniques and work attitudes to a standard that allows progression to further training or working.

• To independently explore through creative and reflective experimentation how meaning is communicated in performance.

• To emphasise practical independence, self-management and improving performance over time.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is broadly equivalent to one GCE A Level.

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop

Unit 27: Musical Theatre Techniques

Two units are coursework based, where student grades are determined by the quality of the portfolio produced and internally assessed. Two units are based on written assessments which is externally assessed. All work is assessed to either Pass, Merit or Distinction standard.

A student should have at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 (or equivalent). There is no prior knowledge required for this specification, however, prior study of GCSE (or equivalent) in Dance, Drama, Music or Performing Arts would be an advantage and it would be advantageous to have gained a GCSE grade 9-5 (or equivalent) in any of these subjects.

Students are expected to have a keen interest in the Performing Arts and to play an active role in the Extra-curricular opportunities provided through the Department.

The units within the qualification will prepare you for further study or training in performing arts related occupations such as: actor, choreographer, lighting technician, stage manager, theatre director, set designer etc.