Performing Arts BTEC at Fulston

Applications Open: - Friday 14 November 2025

Applications Close: - 13 February 2026. Applications may be considered after this date but it is strongly advised to apply before this deadline.

Entry Requirements: - Admission to courses - This is based on your needs and staff advice, but you should be aware of these points: 1. You will need to obtain a minimum of six GCSE passes at Level 5 or above including Mathematics and English (a minimum of a grade 5 in the reformed GCSE qualifications in English and Mathematics) and grades 9-6 in their preferred A-Level subjects or nearest equivalents. 2. Subjects have clear entry requirements. You will find these under the course details or from Subject Heads.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices (Internal and External Students)

External Applicants - please click here (This form is for external candidates and parents/carers to book a slot to ask any questions about the admissions process and Sixth Form at Highsted Grammar School). Please be aware that it is first come, first served. We will try our best to accommodate your preferences but this might not always be possible).

Internal candidates - should contact their Head of Year directly.

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.

AIMS OF THE COURSE

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.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

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

ASSESSMENT

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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.