Performing Arts The Dance Programme BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 (3 x A level Equivalent) Edexcel

Our Sixth Form Open Evening will take place on Thursday 19th November. As this is always a very popular event, we run three separate booking slots throughout the evening to help us accommodate as many families as possible and ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit.

Booking slots will become available from 16th October. We would strongly recommend booking as soon as bookings open, as spaces can fill quickly.

We look forward to welcoming you and giving you the opportunity to find out more about our Sixth Form, meet our staff and students explore the fantastic opportunities available to our students.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Applications Open – 2nd November 2026

Applications Close – 30th June 2027

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The Sixth Form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Applications are currently closed. Please check back at the beginning of November to submit your application.

During the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in performing arts, dance students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and acquire the technical skills in a variety of dance genres, including jazz, contemporary, ballet, street and tap.

There are many performance opportunities throughout the course, enabling students to build self-confidence when performing to live audiences and gain a sense of achievement through the medium of dance. We also wish to develop in all of our students an awareness of one’s body and their surrounding space, co-ordination, strength, flexibility and fitness, grace, musicality and freedom of expression as well as the foundations of strong technical training. Throughout their time studying Level 3 BTEC Dance at CPA, students learn physical and cognitive skills as well as developing emotionally and socially.

They will also:

• Build confidence and a positive self-esteem that will last throughout life by developing feelings of inclusion, purpose and achievement
• Increase attention span, develop listening skills and improve the ability to follow instructions
• Develop self-discipline, persistence, resourcefulness, flexibility of mind, the ability to self-motivate and the ability to think quickly under pressure
• Develop observational and perceptual skills
• Improve partner and group work skills - both leading and being part of a cohesive group
• Improve posture, strength, flexibility, joint mobility and fitness
• Improve balance, co-ordination and awareness of how and where the body is placed in space
• Develop spatial cognition and spatial perception

This is a thirteen unit course (equivalent to three A Levels) covering skills and techniques in a variety of styles of dance.

We would recommend a grade 4 at GCSE in English Language and dance experience.

This may include GCSE dance or regular dance technique classes in any style.

There will also be an audition of a two – three minute solo in any style.

Vocation

Develop performance skills, take part in theatre productions and learn about the industry that could result in a career in leisure entertainment. Students will develop an awareness of the independent nature of this industry including the skills required to be self employed as a dancer.

Academic

A place in a dance school or university course in performing arts. Degrees in dance and dance education are the most natural next step academically.