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Performing Arts Block B

North School, The

The North School, Essella Road, ASHFORD, Kent, TN24 8AL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Arts, Media and Publishing

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
The North School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block B

Application Instructions

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026. If you require any further information after our closing date please do contact nicola.owenhughes@swale.at

Entry Requirements: - Grade 4 and above in 5 GCSEs Including English and Maths for Level 3 programmes, higher grades are required for some subjects

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Details of our Pathways and Option Blocks can be seen in the Gallery or viewed here

If you have any questions regarding the Sixth Form, our courses, facilities or our application process, please do contact us, either by telephone (01233 614613) or email (tns-sixthform-team@swale.at). We will be happy to arrange either a telephone call or meeting to answer these. We are happy to forward subject specific questions to subject leaders who may be better placed to answer your queries. We look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you.

Course Summary

What this qualification covers:

This qualification is a Tech Level at Level 3 designed for students who wish to specialise in the Creative and Performing Arts industries.

The course is made up of Core and Optional units:

Core Units

Externally Assessed Core Unit

● CAPA 304 Performance Preparation

Internally Assessed Core Unit

● CAPA 306 Planning for a Career in the Creative and Performing Arts

Internally Assessed Optional Units

● Learners must select five optional units (minimum of 300 GLH total) to make up a programme.


Course Details

Core Units

Externally Assessed Core Unit

● CAPA 304 Performance Preparation

Internally Assessed Core Unit

● CAPA 306 Planning for a Career in the Creative and Performing Arts

Internally Assessed Optional Units

● Learners must select five optional units (minimum of 300 GLH total) to make up a

programme.


Entry requirements

Students will require a minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English. Students do not need to have studied a performance art at Level 2, however, this would be beneficial. This course requires students to perform to an audience, and to write a portfolio of evidence to a high standard.


Your next steps...

Choice of pathway

Learners select one pathway from the following (units are given as a guide only, final decisions will be made between teachers and the cohort);

● Dance (optional units include; CAPA 324 Choreography, CAPA 329 Dance Technique & Performance, CAPA 331 Ensemble Dance Performance)

● Acting (optional units include; Approaches to Acting, CAPA 311 Audition Techniques

(Acting), CAPA 320 Vocal Techniques (Acting))

● Musical Theatre (for this pathway, students must choose optional units across all three

disciplines - optional units include; Ensemble Music Performance and CAPA 351 Solo

Music Performance)

Future Opportunities:

In addition to the performance specific content, this course also enables students to develop highly desirable skills in areas such as self-management, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, performance, respect, and communication, all of which makes them an attractive prospect for potential employers and help them to succeed in school, in society, and in life.

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers. It aims to prepare learners for successful entry into Higher Education (e.g., conservatoires, drama schools, or university degrees) or direct employment within the performance industry.



For more courses like this, check our courses page.