Performing Arts; Drama BTEC Extended Certificate

Applications open: 10 November 2025

Application deadline: 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x GCSEs Grade 4-9 including English. Maths desirable. Please see individual courses for subject entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information https://www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk/830/welcome

Subject Choices: - You will need to select a minimum of 3 subjects to study and these can be a mixture of A Levels and BTECs with SEFA and MWBA in addition to your full time studies.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Students will take part in regular acting and drama lessons in which they will be prepared for the performing arts industry by performing regularly to live audiences. This course is equivalent to one A-Level.

The coursework, assessment and exams consist of:

• Research projects

• Workshops

• Rehearsals

• Performances

• Dance diary/log book/target setting/skills audits

Investigating Practitioners’ Work (Exam unit):

Students will study two practitioners across the space of 6 weeks. The exam paper will give the students a theme and the students must link these two practitioners to the theme in an essay based format under controlled conditions.

Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance:

Students will study two performance pieces; 1) a pantomime and 2) Students will study, rehearse and put on a scripted play. Students will put the play together and perform to an audience. Students will keep regular diaries, setting short and long term targets.

Group Performance Workshop (exam unit):

Students will be given a stimulus and have to work in groups of 5 – 7 to devise a performance based on a given stimulus (from the exam paper). Students will write about their journey of devising.

Acting styles:

Students will study a range of drama practitioner styles over a period of time. They will be required to research three practitioners in detail as well as choose a performance style to focus on. They will produce either a devised performance or an existing piece of repertoire in the chosen style.

Musical theatre:

Students will take part in the school’s annual production. This unit will also include a musical theatre research project and regular target setting and reviewing. Students also have the opportunity to extend their learning by taking on LAMDA exams which can earn them extra UCAS points in acting, musical theatre and/or Public speaking. This is at an additional cost

Performance; Rehearsals; Workshops; Personal management; Log books/diaries/target setting/skills audits; Research projects

BTEC Performing Arts (Drama): Merit or Higher OR 4-9 in GCSE Drama OR by audition. After school rehearsals will be required.

Become a Performing Arts Ambassador (Prefect)

Take part in the annual production

Be nominated (and maybe win!) an Oscars award and attend the special Oscars ceremony annually