This course will be offered at The Whitehaven Academy. Transport will be provided from Workington Academy for students wishing to study this course.
Examination Board
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
Entry Criteria

Assessment
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a two-year, full-time course for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in Performing Arts areas before entering employment. Learners can either choose a pathway which focusses on particular disciplines: acting, dance, musical theatre; or take a general route for further study in the sector. The course is practical, with theory based research and exploration.
Why you should study Performing Arts
- Practical skills and techniques in a range of performing arts disciplines
- Critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of practitioners work. Learners will gain a taste and an appreciation of performing arts, through knowledge and experience of the performance process. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques and personal attributes which will be valuable across all areas of future study and work.
- Vocational experiences and skills, excellent links with local theatres and Arts providers to develop knowledge and experience of the Performing Arts Industry
Course Content
Mandatory Units
You will study 7 core units:
1 Investigating Practitioners’ Work
2 Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
3 Group Performance Workshop
4 Performing Arts in the Community
5 Individual Performance Commission
6 Final Live Performance to an Audience
7 Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts
A further 4 optional units:
Tap Dance Technique
Jazz Dance Technique
Street Dance Technique
Contemporary Dance Technique
Healthy Dancer
Choreography for Live Performance
Theatre Directing
Writing for Performance
Movement in Performance
Site Specific Performance
Physical Theatre Techniques
Musical Theatre Techniques
Variety Performance
Skills Developed, Progression and Possible Future Careers
The opportunity to develop all-round performance skills and transferable skills such as self-confidence, self-presentation, personal discipline, time management and organisational skills which are highly regarded by higher education and employers.
The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognized by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for degree courses
Learners can progress to a degree programme from a wide range of programmes in the performing arts sector. Progression can be to an honors degree or to a BTEC Higher National, Foundation Degree, or a Higher Apprenticeship. The qualification will particularly support entry to degrees where knowledge of the sector is relevant.