Performing Arts

BTEC / 2 year Course / Pearson

The performing arts are a major part of the creative and cultural industries in the UK and worldwide. Performing arts offers diverse employment opportunities in drama, music, theatre, dance, film, puppetry, design, directing, stage management, make up and special effects as well as the many support functions which work alongside each other.

More On This Course

The Performing Arts Extended Certificate covers the key knowledge and practical skills students require to achieve a nationally-recognised qualification, which will allow them the opportunity to enter work or higher education. Students will develop a wide range of performing arts techniques as well as developing personal skills and attributes essential to working life.

Students will complete four units over the two years of study, this includes:

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
Unit 19: Acting Styles.

Units 1 and 3 are externally assessed and Units 2 and 19 are internally assessed.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Performing Arts is a practical subject which offers students the opportunity to perform for audiences and take part in the development processes to prepare for this. Lessons will generally be conducted as practical workshops with some classroom based learning to prepare students for the written exam element of the course. Extra curricular opportunities for students include evening visits to see live theatre performances as well as participating in workshops with outside companies and industry professionals who visit the centre, including past students who have gone on to study performing arts or drama at university.

Assessment

Students are assessed in each unit using four assessment objectives which cover:

Research skills
Practical development
Performance
Group collaboration skills.

This will include being assessed using written communication which will enable students to develop outstanding oral and written communication which is vital for further progression in education and work.

Grading is Pass (C), Merit (B), Distinction (A) and Distinction* (A*) with the equivalent UCAS points for HE entry. Unit 1 is an externally assessed exam unit.

Skills and Careers Insight

BTEC Performing Arts equips you with a range of creative, practical, and technical skills in acting, dance, and musical performance, all of which are essential for a successful career in the arts. You'll develop strong communication, teamwork, and creative thinking abilities while learning to perform, produce, and stage performances. The qualification also fosters discipline, confidence, and self-expression. Career opportunities include roles in acting, choreography, stage management, drama therapy, and arts education, as well as behind-the-scenes positions in production and direction. Whether you aspire to perform on stage, work in production, or teach the arts, BTEC Performing Arts provides a solid foundation for a wide array of exciting careers in the creative industries.

Labour Market Information

Subject Combination

Performing Arts combines well with a large variety of subjects both vocational and academic so will support entry to higher education courses. Students could combine Performing Arts with Drama to follow a Performing Arts route or with Business, Media Studies and other arts to follow a career in creative events. Performing Arts also combines well with English, History, Classics and Psychology due to the nature of texts studied and character analysis.

Performing Arts

English Literature

Classical Civilisation

History

English Language

Psychology

Media Studies

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School

I am very passionate about drama and I love the subject. The components and topics of the subject really interest me and I am excited to share that interest with potential new students.

Erin Urwin

Previous school - St Bede’s Catholic School, Lanchester

Drama is my favourite subject. I am able to explore a range of texts that will prepare me for my next steps, which is a career in acting.

Lily Langers

Previous school - St Leonard’s Catholic School