Level 1 Performing Arts

The units you will study are likely to include:

• Introduction to music, performing and production arts
• Introduction to research for music, performing and production arts
• Communicating with an audience for music and performing arts
• Production development for music and performing arts
• Performance development for music and performing arts
• Music, performing and production arts project

Students may also be studying maths and English where appropriate, and will develop digital skills in their progress and support sessions.

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn or amended by the awarding body.

This course is ideal for students with an interest in performing arts or music but have little or no formal qualifications or experience.

Students should be self-motivated and be willing to work towards performing on a stage to an audience.

Practical skills and academic work will be assessed through performance projects and will include portfolio work, logbooks, presentation and practical assessment.

If you are studying maths and English, you will sit these as external exams.

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

• The key elements and influences in your discipline (Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre or Technical Theatre) and refining an investigative approach to the Performing Arts industry

• A range of activities and competences through in-depth subject specific study, enabling the practical, written, presented and evaluative academic work to further your reading, writing and digital skills

• Subject specific context; for example an awareness of equality and diversity in the performing industries and an up-to-date approach to casting, skills itineraries and CV writing.

• Explore and enhance personal performance and technical skills through practical and research-based study and practical sessions including specialist disciplines of Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre & Technical Theatre
• Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including taking correction (in Dance and Musical Theatre for example) practical feedback, critical listening skills around others work, communicating ideas with your peers,enhancing your skills levels both individually and collaboratively
• Integrate and develop previously acquired skills, alongside new and challenging work enabling a broader repertoire and experience, and therefore develop your own approaches to your directed and creative work.

• Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to your discipline, such as reliability, time keeping and organisation, respect and communication skills

• Taking responsibility in the management and commitment to rehearsals and production work or for an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline

• Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network, develop connections in industry and contacts, including taking initiative, organisational skills and developing resilience.

After being interviewed, applicants will be invited to a taster day in the summer. On this day, we will expect students to perform a short piece to give us an insight into their level of ability and suitability within performing arts, or offer advice and guidance to other pathways within college.

Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course and have access to IT at home. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol. For those eligible, bursary applications are available to cover the cost.

There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.

Students who complete the full qualification will generally move on to a Level 2 qualification in either Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre Production or Music pathway.

With a performing arts qualification, career pathways could include work as a performer, community arts worker, theatre director, choreographer, dancer, stage manager, set designer or lighting/sound technician. This is also a good foundation for developing your confidence and transferable skills for another pathway of study, outside the arts.

Progression from Level 1 to Level 2 is recommended because there is an expectation from employers that students achieve higher level qualifications, a strong CV and a proven track record of experience before entering into performing arts employment.

4 GCSEs at grade 2 or above or completion of the Foundation Studies programme and attending a taster day (online or onsite) which will include some practical work. You may be offered a place on another level to your original application.

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.