Performing Arts - Dance, Drama & Music

Applications Open: - 6th November 2026

Applications Close: - 31st March 2027. 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

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.

Dance & Drama 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.

Music:

The RSL Level 3 Music Practitioners course is designed to provide a vocationally-relevant education in contemporary music, aimed at beginners through to semi-professionals. Whether you are an aspiring performer, composer, entrepreneur or a combination of all of these - it will give you the opportunity to apply your creativity in a practically-focused setting. This course is aimed at students who have already completed a Music course at Level 2 or equivalent, or have performance experience as an instrumentalist or vocalist. You will need some experience of the performing arts sector and be familiar and confident to perform.

Dance & Drama 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.

Performance Learners for music will:

● Perform effectively on their instrument/voice

● Rehearse and display musicianship skills

● Initiate and develop repertoire

● Rehearse effectively and perform music live

● Understand contextual issues relating to music style, audience and the music industry

● Understand relevant aspects of music technology

Music

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic. Learners taking the Subsidiary Diploma undertake one externally assessed core unit which is relevant to the Performance pathway. The externally assessed core units are mandatory units, which define each pathway. These externally assessed units require learners to work to a brief, set with input from industry practitioners (employers), specific to their area of specialism.

Externally Assessed Core Unit

● Rehearsal Skills & Live Music Performance Internally Assessed Core Unit

● All learners undertake the internally assessed core unit, Planning a Career in Music.

Internally Assessed Optional Units

● Learners can choose from a selection of optional units to make up a programme, which qualifies for the chosen qualification.

Dance & Drama:

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.

Music:

Students will require a minimum of five A*-C / 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English.

Dance & Drama:

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.

Music:

In addition to the music specific content and the opportunities to develop their own instrumental/vocal practice, 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 as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if it is taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, and it combines well with a large number of subjects. It will support entry to higher education courses in a wide range of disciplines, depending on the subjects taken alongside it.