Performing Arts (Dance) BTEC Level 3

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance)

Edexcel

Year 12 Investigating Practitioners’ Work – mandatory unit which is externally assessed. Learners investigate the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. This unit will give you skills in research, critical analysis and extended writing that will support your progress to higher education. As a performing arts practitioner you will need to have a good understanding of the work of influential practitioners to inform your own work and professional practice.

Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance – mandatory. Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing and demonstrating skills and techniques in at least two performance styles within a selected discipline. The work of the professional performer requires time and dedication to training, developing and improving the tools of the trade. For dancers the ‘tools’ are the body, and the creative and intellectual skills needed to interpret the performance material to communicate with and entertain an audience.

Year 13 Group Performance Workshop - mandatory unit which is externally assessed. In this unit, you will learn how to respond to a given stimulus as part of a group, using research, discussion and practical exploration to develop performance material and later present an informal presentation of the work to an invited audience. As a member of a team, you will contribute to the creative development and rehearsal process, shaping and refining the work and applying performance and teamwork skills. You will share responsibility for creative decisions regarding the nature and direction of the intended performance, and your individual contribution will reflect your own skills through the group’s interests and ideas.

Street Dance Technique. In this unit, you will develop the skills and techniques that will enable you to understand the key technical and stylistic features of street dance through participating in technique classes, rehearsals and performance work. By learning and watching different street dance techniques, you will develop an understanding of the diversity of this dance form and the practitioners who have influenced the development of the style. You will reflect on your progress as you develop skills and techniques, setting targets and reviewing your progress.

Equivalent in size to one A Level (please note that there is also a two A-Level equivalent option)

4 units in total; 3 mandatory and 1 optional

Mandatory units

There are 3 mandatory units, 1 internal and 2 externally marked. Learners must complete and achieve at pass grade or above for all these units.

Optional units

Learners must complete at least 1 optional unit which will be, Street Dance technique.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass and Unclassified. All mandatory and optional units contribute proportionately to the overall qualification grade.

Method of assessment

BTEC Nationals use a combination of assessment styles to give students the confidence that they can apply their knowledge to succeed in the workplace – and have the study skills to continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their career.

• Assignments: Set and marked by teachers; verified by Pearson. Still the main form of assessment for all BTEC Nationals. In this course there are 2 units marked by teacher and 2 units that are sent off for external assessment.

• Tasks: provide students with work-based challenges in timed, realistic work conditions.

• Written exams: Students create written answers to practical questions in exam conditions.

Qualification Available grade range Extended Certificate - P to D*

4 GCSE 9-4 grades including English.

It is desirable that students have experience in the field of dance and auditions will be held.

Previous knowledge:

• BTEC Performing Arts (Dance)
• GCSE Dance.
• Other recognisable dance school qualifications.

In addition to the performing arts sector-specific content, this qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop all-round performance skills and transferable skills such as self-confidence, self-presentation, personal discipline, time management and organisational skills which are highly regarded by higher education and employers.

All of the content in the qualification will help prepare learners for further study. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers.