Performing Arts

Applications Open: Thursday, 27th November 2025 from 5pm.

Applications Close: Friday, 13th February 2026.

Entry requirements: • All students must gain 5 passes at Grade 4 or above at GCSE (or the equivalent for vocational qualifications) including a pass in English and / or Maths.

How to apply:

Internal Students - please use the schools internal system: https://www.studentoptions.co/sixthform/

External Students - please use KentChoices. Log in to get started here.

Successful students are enthusiastic performers who are willing to rehearse regularly, work as part of a team and contribute creative ideas. Good organisation is important—there will often be more than one piece of coursework to complete at the same time. You should be confident performing in front of others and be prepared to analyse and evaluate your own work.

This course is for students with a strong interest in performance and the wider performing arts industry who want to continue their education through applied learning. It develops practical skills in acting, dance or Musical Theatre, alongside research and analysis of professional work.

You will:

• Explore the creative work of key theatre and dance practitioners.

• Develop technical, physical and interpretive skills for live performance.

• Work collaboratively to devise, rehearse and perform original material in response to a set stimulus.

• Gain insight into professional practice and the demands of the performing arts industry.

The qualification is equivalent to one A Level and supports entry to higher education courses in a wide range of disciplines including Drama, Dance, Musical Theatre and other creative degrees.

Assessment is a mix of external set tasks and internal coursework.

Externally assessed units:

• Unit 1 – Investigating Practitioners’ Work: research and written analysis of professional work.

• Unit 3 – Group Performance Workshop: devise and perform a piece in response to a stimulus.

Internally assessed units:

• Unit 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance and one optional specialist unit such as

Acting Styles, Musical Theatre Techniques or Contemporary Dance.

Assessment methods include practical performance, rehearsal logs, research portfolios and written evaluations.

Grade 4 in performance related subject or audition if new to the subject.

The qualification supports progression to:

• University degrees in Performing Arts, Drama, Dance or related creative subjects.

• Specialist drama schools or conservatoires.

• Careers in theatre, film, television, community arts, teaching or events.

The vocational nature of the course also builds transferable skills - communication, collaboration and timemanagement - valued in a wide range of careers.