Performing Arts BTEC National Extended Certificate (Level 3)

Applications Open: - 1st October 2025

Interviews: From January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths. Please check specific courses for their entry requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via KentChoices

For any other information & enquiries please contact Miss Moore on rmoore@wrotham.kent.sch.uk and/or Mr Elphick on relphick@wrotham.kent.sch.uk

This qualification offers an engaging programme to support learners who are passionate about acting. This size of qualification (one A level) allows learners to study related and complementary qualifications alongside it, without duplication of content. It can prepare learners for a range of Apprenticeships in performance-related areas. When taken alongside further Level 3 qualifications, it supports access to a range of higher education courses in the performing arts sector.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performance is a 360 guided learning hours (GLH) qualification that consists of five units. Two are mandatory, with one of those being externally assessed, and three internally assessed.

Unit 34: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance (Mandatory – Internally Assessed)

This unit gives learners the chance to develop and apply the technical, practical, and interpretative skills needed for live performance. It mirrors the professional expectations of performers, with a strong emphasis on discipline, preparation, rehearsal, and reflection.

Unit 3: Group Workshop Performance (Mandatory – Externally Assessed)

This unit focuses on developing the essential skills needed to work collaboratively as part of a performance company. Learners are challenged to create, rehearse and perform a piece of work in response to a set brief.

Specialist units:

Unit 19: Acting Styles (Internally Assessed)

This unit introduces learners to a range of historical and contemporary acting styles, enabling them to develop versatility and adaptability as performers.

Unit 22: Movement in Performance (Internally Assessed)

This unit develops the physical awareness, control and expression that performers need for live performance. Learners explore the body as a tool for communication, investigating movement techniques and applying them to performance work.

Unit 20: Developing Voice (Internally Assessed)

This unit focuses on developing the technical, expressive, and creative use of the voice for performance. Learners explore how voice can communicate meaning, emotion, character, and style.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performance is a 360 guided learning hours (GLH) qualification that consists of five units. Two are mandatory, with one of those being externally assessed, and three internally assessed.

Merit or above in a BTEC or 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above. Enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to performing in front of others are essential.

The Extended Certificate supports entry to higher education including university, drama school and conservatoires. It is also excellent preparation for careers in theatre, performance, education, media and the wider creative industries.