BTEC PERFORMING ARTS (ACTING) EXTENDED DIPLOMA

BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts 

We are delighted to introduce our new BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts—a two‑year, full‑time Level 3 qualification designed for students who are passionate about performance and want to progress to higher education, professional training or employment in the creative industries. 

What the course offers 

The qualification provides a broad, industry‑focussed study of performance (acting, dance, musical theatre or a mix) combined with opportunities to specialise and build a strong portfolio. It is equivalent to three A‑Levels and gives learners the practical, creative and reflective skills needed for progression. 

Core (mandatory) units 

• Unit 1 – Investigating Practitioners’ Work: Learners explore the work of influential performers, companies and choreographers, analysing creative intention, context, production and repertoire. 

• Unit 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance: Introduces and develops the technical performance skills (vocal, physical, interpretative) needed across the performing arts. 

• Unit 3 – Group Performance Workshop: Students collaborate to respond to stimulus material, develop ideas through rehearsal and present a live workshop performance. 

• Unit 4 – Performing Arts in the Community: Applying performing arts skills in community or outreach settings, reinforcing transferable skills such as teamwork and communication. 

• Unit 5 – Individual Performance Commission: Students respond individually to a commission brief, develop and rehearse performance material, and reflect on their process. 

• Unit 6 – Final Live Performance to an Audience: A culminating performance to a real audience, bringing together skills, rehearsal and production values. 

• Unit 7 – Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts: Learners gain insight into the industry, careers, how to market themselves and the skills employers value. 

Optional units 

Students can tailor their experience through optional specialist units such as: 

• Acting Styles 

• Theatre Directing 

• Screen Acting 

• Singing Techniques for Performance 

• Musical Theatre Techniques 

BTEC PERFORMING ARTS (ACTING) EXTENDED CERTIFICATE

Course Overview

We are delighted to introduce our BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts Practice — a one-year, full-time Level 3 qualification designed for students who are passionate about performance and want to develop their skills for higher education or future employment in the creative industries.

This dynamic course combines practical training with creative exploration, enabling students to build confidence, professionalism and artistic individuality. It is equivalent to one A Level and can be taken alongside other subjects.

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What the Course Offers

The qualification provides an engaging, industry-focused study of the performing arts. Learners explore a range of performance styles, develop technical and interpretive skills, and work collaboratively to create and present original or existing performance work.

The course nurtures creativity, self-discipline and reflective practice — all key attributes for success in both artistic and wider professional contexts.

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Core (Mandatory) Components

Component 1 – Exploring Performance Styles and Practitioners
Learners study a variety of performance styles, techniques and key practitioners. They analyse creative intention, performance context and production influences, gaining inspiration for their own work.

Component 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts
Students participate in workshops and rehearsals to develop their technical, vocal, physical and creative skills. They reflect on their progress and apply techniques to performance situations.

Component 3 – Performing to a Brief
Working collaboratively, learners respond to a given brief or stimulus to devise, rehearse and perform an original piece to an audience, showcasing creativity, teamwork and professional awareness.

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How It Is Delivered and Assessed

• Delivery:
  The Extended Certificate is taught through practical sessions, rehearsals, and reflective study. Students experience real-world performing arts environments, taking on roles as performers, creators and evaluators.

• Assessment:
  There are no external written exams. Assessment is internally set and externally moderated by Pearson.
  Evidence is collected through:
  • Live and recorded performances
  • Rehearsal and process logs
  • Reflective journals or portfolios
  • Evaluations and presentations

Assessment focuses on skill development, creative process, collaboration and self-reflection.

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Why This Course Is Valuable

• Practical and creative: immersive experience in performance, rehearsal and production.

• Industry-relevant: mirrors professional practice in the performing arts sector.

• Transferable skills: communication, problem-solving, organisation and teamwork.

• Progression opportunities: pathway to higher education, drama school or employment within theatre, film, dance, or related creative fields.

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What This Means for Your Child

Students will spend the year exploring performance techniques, developing confidence, and performing regularly to live audiences. They will gain valuable insights into the creative process and the professional expectations of the industry, preparing them for further study or entry-level roles in the arts.

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Key Words

Performance | Technique | Creativity | Collaboration | Practitioner | Process | Reflection | Rehearsal | Evaluation | Innovation | Industry Practice | Professionalism | Devising | Interpretation | Expression