Subject

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance)

Entry Requirements

5 GCSE’s 9-4 including English.

It is desirable that students have experience in the field of dance.

Previous knowledge;

BTEC Performing Arts (Dance)

GCSE Dance.

Other recognisable dance school qualifications.

Exam Board

Edexcel

Content relating to the subject qualification

Year 12

Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance – mandatory.

Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing and demonstrating skills and techniques in at least two performance styles within a selected discipline. The work of the professional performer requires time and dedication to training, developing and improving the tools of the trade. For dancers the ‘tools’ are the body, and the creative and intellectual skills needed to interpret the performance material to communicate with and entertain an audience.

Investigating Practitioners’ Work – mandatory unit which is externally assessed.

Learners 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 will give you skills in research, critical analysis and extended writing that will support your progress to higher education. As a performing arts practitioner you will need to have a good understanding of the work of influential practitioners to inform your own work and professional practice.

Year 13

Group Performance Workshop - mandatory unit which is externally assessed.

In this unit, you will learn how to respond to a given stimulus as part of a group, using research, discussion and practical exploration to develop performance material and later present an informal presentation of the work to an invited audience. As a member of a team, you will contribute to the creative development and rehearsal process, shaping and refining the work and applying performance and teamwork skills. You will share responsibility for creative decisions regarding the nature and direction of the intended performance, and your individual contribution will reflect your own skills through the group’s interests and ideas.

Unit 22: Movement in Performance

You will look at the four components of movement in performance in their most uncomplicated form, taking into account Rudolf Laban’s theories of movement. Having gained an understanding of how to use the body as an expressive instrument, you will be able to apply your knowledge of movement in performance.

Assessment of the qualification

Equivalent in size to one A Level

4 units in total 3 mandatory and 1 optional

Mandatory units

There are 3 mandatory units, 1 internal and 2 externally marked. Learners must complete and achieve at pass grade or above for all these units.

Optional units

Learners must complete at least 1 optional unit which will be, Street dance technique.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass and Unclassified. All mandatory and optional units contribute proportionately to the overall qualification grade.

Method of assessment

BTEC Nationals use a combination of assessment styles to give students the confidence that they can apply their knowledge to succeed in the workplace – and have the study skills to continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their career.

• Assignments: Set and marked by teachers; verified by Pearson. Still the main form of assessment for all BTEC Nationals. In this course there are 2 units marked by teacher and 2 units that are sent off for external assessment.

• Tasks: provide students with work-based challenges in timed, realistic work conditions.

• Written exams: Students create written answers to practical questions in exam conditions.

Qualification Available grade range

Extended Certificate -  P to D*

Career Pathways

In addition to the performing arts sector-specific content, this qualification provides learners with 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.

All of the content in the qualification will help prepare learners for further study. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers.

Extra-Curricular

• Dance showcase, Theatre Royal Margate.
• Great Big Dance Off, national school dance competition.
• Dance clubs
• Workshops with professional dance artists.
• Many other performance opportunities.