The Level 3 Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A-level, and is studied over two years.
This is a practical course which focuses on developing skills in the three specific performance areas of dancing, singing and acting.
As well as developing in these three areas individually you also have the opportunity to combine them in a variety of performances, culminating in a full Musical production in our purpose built theatre with live music, set scenery and costumes at the end of the second year. Shows have included A Chorus Line, Calamity Jane, Fame The Musical, Singin’ in the Rain, Sweet Charity, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, Bugsy Malone, Grease, the highly acclaimed West Side Story, The Addam’s family, Sister Act and most recently Fame.
The performing arts team offer study to cater for all student’s needs.
Course Structure
Students will study the following mandatory units:
Unit
Content
Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ work
Students investigate the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work.
This unit is assessed externally.
Unit 2: Developing skills for techniques and performers
Students explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles.
Unit 3: Group Performance workshop
Students explore and integrate creative, physical and vocal skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus.
The following unit is optional:
Unit
Content
Unit 27: Musical Theatre Performance
Students explore key features of musical theatre, developing specialist skills and techniques as a musical theatre performer combining acting, singing and dance skills for a performance.
Students will study the following mandatory units:
|
Unit |
Content |
|
Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ work |
Students investigate the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. This unit is assessed externally. |
|
Unit 2: Developing skills for techniques and performers |
Students explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles. |
|
Unit 3: Group Performance workshop |
Students explore and integrate creative, physical and vocal skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus. |
The following unit is optional:
|
Unit |
Content |
|
Unit 27: Musical Theatre Performance |
Students explore key features of musical theatre, developing specialist skills and techniques as a musical theatre performer combining acting, singing and dance skills for a performance. |
Course Delivery and Assessment
The course is taught by specialist practitioners. Assignments are set at regular intervals throughout the course and a very high level of student involvement is expected in all areas. The course is made up of mandatory units, and optional units. Lessons are a mixture of practical workshops and rehearsals, and theory based lessons, aimed to provide students with the necessary key skills required for further training in this area at HE or beyond.
Performances are especially important and it is expected that evening rehearsals and performances will take priority over work or social commitments. Performances will be assessed, but all work will also need to be accompanied by research, rehearsal and evaluative notes in a word-processed, written portfolio of evidence.
Assessment
Assignments are completed on a regular basis, and are both practical and theoretical. Students are expected to work independently to keep their folders updated, to include detailed information about their personal development in all areas. Performances will be assessed, but all work will also need to be accompanied by research, rehearsal and evaluative notes in a written portfolio folder.
The students can opt to submit their internally assessed work in a range of formats including; blogs, PowerPoint presentations, via voice, video diary and written work. Some elements of the course are externally assessed. Unit 1 is a prepared written assessment taken under exam conditions on a set date by the exam board.
The course is taught by specialist practitioners. Assignments are set at regular intervals throughout the course and a very high level of student involvement is expected in all areas. The course is made up of mandatory units, and optional units. Lessons are a mixture of practical workshops and rehearsals, and theory based lessons, aimed to provide students with the necessary key skills required for further training in this area at HE or beyond.
Performances are especially important and it is expected that evening rehearsals and performances will take priority over work or social commitments. Performances will be assessed, but all work will also need to be accompanied by research, rehearsal and evaluative notes in a word-processed, written portfolio of evidence.
Assessment
Assignments are completed on a regular basis, and are both practical and theoretical. Students are expected to work independently to keep their folders updated, to include detailed information about their personal development in all areas. Performances will be assessed, but all work will also need to be accompanied by research, rehearsal and evaluative notes in a written portfolio folder.
The students can opt to submit their internally assessed work in a range of formats including; blogs, PowerPoint presentations, via voice, video diary and written work. Some elements of the course are externally assessed. Unit 1 is a prepared written assessment taken under exam conditions on a set date by the exam board.
Resources
Classes are taught in the purpose-built theatre, which is a fully equipped theatre including substantial sound and lighting systems, excellent state of the art technical/backstage equipment and theatre technician. A bespoke Dance studio with sprung floor and full length mirrors, sound and lighting equipment and further rehearsal spaces. A suite of music practice rooms all with pianos and sound equipment.
Charges
Students are expected to purchase a Performing Arts Academy t-shirt and are expected to take part in theatre trips to London, Bristol and Bath where a charge will be made based on ticket price and cost of transport. Some workshops will also have a cost. There is a termly charge for peripatetic singing lessonswhich start at £15 per 30 minute lesson, although funds are available for those who are eligible for the Bursary fund.
Classes are taught in the purpose-built theatre, which is a fully equipped theatre including substantial sound and lighting systems, excellent state of the art technical/backstage equipment and theatre technician. A bespoke Dance studio with sprung floor and full length mirrors, sound and lighting equipment and further rehearsal spaces. A suite of music practice rooms all with pianos and sound equipment.
Charges
Students are expected to purchase a Performing Arts Academy t-shirt and are expected to take part in theatre trips to London, Bristol and Bath where a charge will be made based on ticket price and cost of transport. Some workshops will also have a cost. There is a termly charge for peripatetic singing lessonswhich start at £15 per 30 minute lesson, although funds are available for those who are eligible for the Bursary fund.
Enrichment
You will automatically become a member of our highly successful St Brendan’s Performing Arts Academy which provides an enrichment programme and exclusive opportunities in association with our partner organisations: National Connections Project & 3rd Stage Dance Company. Students benefit from regular workshops, performance opportunities, visiting speakers and theatre trips both locally and in London. As this is a very practical course, and looking to use real theatre experiences wherever possible, there is an expectation that students will be available to perform in a range of showcases throughout the year usually in the evenings, and all students should also experience being part of a supporting backstage crew. All students will be timetabled to do Enrichment weekly as extra rehearsal time to support their practical work. It is also compulsory for all students to take one to one signing lessons with an experienced, professional vocal coach. Please see the Performing Arts team for further details.
You will automatically become a member of our highly successful St Brendan’s Performing Arts Academy which provides an enrichment programme and exclusive opportunities in association with our partner organisations: National Connections Project & 3rd Stage Dance Company. Students benefit from regular workshops, performance opportunities, visiting speakers and theatre trips both locally and in London. As this is a very practical course, and looking to use real theatre experiences wherever possible, there is an expectation that students will be available to perform in a range of showcases throughout the year usually in the evenings, and all students should also experience being part of a supporting backstage crew. All students will be timetabled to do Enrichment weekly as extra rehearsal time to support their practical work. It is also compulsory for all students to take one to one signing lessons with an experienced, professional vocal coach. Please see the Performing Arts team for further details.
Progression
Students completing this course have gone on to higher education courses such as BA Honours degrees in Drama, Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance and a selection of students have gone on to Performing Arts or Drama Schools. The education element of the course would also be ideal for a Teaching career, or to gain work in a theatre education department. Students progress into careers such as singing, acting, theatre backstage production, performing arts in the community and arts management. In addition to this, the transferable skills developed over the duration of the course also enable students to progress into a range of other employment in the creative industries, business, law and teaching.
Students completing this course have gone on to higher education courses such as BA Honours degrees in Drama, Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance and a selection of students have gone on to Performing Arts or Drama Schools. The education element of the course would also be ideal for a Teaching career, or to gain work in a theatre education department. Students progress into careers such as singing, acting, theatre backstage production, performing arts in the community and arts management. In addition to this, the transferable skills developed over the duration of the course also enable students to progress into a range of other employment in the creative industries, business, law and teaching.
Partnerships and Links
We have strong links with other local theatre companies and professional performers, and offer workshops with them as part of the course. Recently, companies have included The Paper Birds and Frantic Assembly. Students benefit from regular workshops, visiting speakers and theatre trips.
We have strong links with other local theatre companies and professional performers, and offer workshops with them as part of the course. Recently, companies have included The Paper Birds and Frantic Assembly. Students benefit from regular workshops, visiting speakers and theatre trips.
Where can this course lead?
Apply for this course
Find out how to apply for BTEC L3 Performing Arts - Musical Theatre.
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