Performing Arts

Pupils follow the Btec Level 2 First Certificate in Performing Arts.

Over the 3 years, pupils study the following units;

Mandatory Units

1. Individual Showcase
2. Preparation, Performance and Production
3. Musical Theatre Skills
4. The Performing Arts Industry

Optional Specialist Units

5. Devising Performance Work
6. Voice and Speech for Performers
7. Performing Scripted Plays

The Units

1. Individual Showcase – Externally assessed

Pupils will prepare for a scenario based audition after choosing which area – acting, singing or dancing they would like to focus on. They will prepare two relevant pieces and perfom these on their own in front of their teacher. The ‘audition’ is recorded and externally marked. To accompany this audition, the pupils will need to write a letter that explains why they want the role they are auditioning for.

2. Preparation, Performance and Production – Internally assessed

Pupils will take part in the preparations for a live performance, taking on a specific performing role and explore the chosen performance piece in detail. In the performance, specific and relevant techniques need to be demonstrated.

3. Musical Theatre Skills – Internally assessed

Pupils will explore and develop their musical theatre skills and review their own practice. They will need to demonstrate technical and interpretive skills for acting, dance and singing. They will take part in rehearsals of musical theatre work which will culminate in a performance of a selected piece of musical theatre work.

4. The Performing Arts Industry – Externally assessed

Pupils will investigate a range of performing arts organisations to find out about the work they do and how they relate to one another. They will also learn about different job roles in the performing arts industry. The unit is then externally assessed using an onscreen test. Pearson sets and marks the test which lasts for one hour and is worth 50 marks. The questions include a range of objective and short-answer questions.

5. Devising Performance Work – Internally assessed

Pupils will develop ideas for performance material and perform their own work to an audience. They will be presented with a stimulus which will be explored in order to create the content for a devised performance. The target audience and any resources that will need to be created to perform the work, will need to be considered. The performance should last between 5 and 15 minutes and be performed in a group of approximately 2 – 6 pupils.

6. Voice and Speech for Performers – Internally assessed

Pupils will explore the key principles of vocal production and review their own practice, as well and demonstrate the use of voice in a performance context. This will involve performing from a published text to an audience. The unit will be mostly practical but a sound understanding of voice production will form the basis of pupils’ development. Knowledge of voice production will be gained through exploration of a variety of exercises and routines, including research into how speech is formed.

7. Performing Scripted Plays – Internally

Pupils will be given a play to explore before performing a specific role within the play. Pupils will have to research the background and context in order to increase their understanding of the script. The research will then directly feed into how they develop their role within the play. This unit will also help pupils to develop their primary voice and/or movement acting skills (depending on their role). In doing so, pupils will learn to appreciate how actors serve the intentions of the playwright and the production style. Throughout the unit pupils will be required to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, helping to strengthen and develop them as an actor.

Curriculum Plan

AOS – Duration – November - Christmas

AOS –

Duration – January to February Half term

AOS –Duration – March – Easter Holidays

AOS – Duration – April – May Half Term (Witsun)

AOS – Duration – June – End of Term

Year 11

Duration – September – October half term

Duration – November - Christmas

Duration – January – February Half Term

Duration – March -Easter holidays

Duration – April – May half term (Witsun)

Duration – June – End of term