A2 Performing Arts

Edexcel (1-2 years)
Course Content
Performing Arts is a course that gives you the opportunity to develop your performance skills with a focus on Physical Theatre. We aim to produce theatre that is both exciting and original.
The course is, in many ways different from studying performance at GCSE. Before you choose this subject you should familiarise yourself with the topics you will study and the way in which they are approached. There is a lot of emphasis on the individual and an expectation for you to work independently on your personal performance skills.
During this course you will develop your individual core skills in performance and develop new skills. You will also create original work through devising as well as learning the skills required to plan and deliver events. There are also options to develop skills in lighting, sound and design, if you are interested in these areas.
Methods of Teaching
This course is explored in a practical way with elements of written records. We encourage students to develop their skills independently and consider professional practice as an influence on their personal progression. The course is taught through a combination of practical workshops, formal lectures and student led research, rehearsal and evaluation.
As well as being taught by our highly qualified staff, you will at times work with outside professionals. You will also be guided through your own independent study, creating a link between college, university and/or employment.
There are numerous opportunities to see live performances. The department take trips to London on a regular basis as well as visiting theatres that are nearer to home, such as The Theatre Royal, Winchester and The Point in Eastleigh.
Methods and Patterns of Assessment
The methods and patterns of assessment follow a similar format for both years.
In the first year you will:
Unit 1: Create a portfolio outlining the development of your skills in Physical Theatre.
Unit 2: Create action plans and reports as evidence of your planning for a specific event.
Unit 3: Respond to a commission within a group developing a devised piece for performance to an external examiner.
In the second year you will:
Unit 4: Create a portfolio outlining the development of your skills in relation to employment opportunities.
Unit 5/6: Create an evaluative record of processes adopted to develop personal performance skills and display these skills through performance.
Unit 7: Respond to a production brief set by the exam board and develop, rehearse and deliver a complete performance as a performer, member of the production team or as an administrator to an external visiting examiner.
Financial Implications
You will be asked for a payment at the start of each year. Included in the one-off payment is a contribution towards the costs of handouts and other duplicated material, at the start of the course. Payment of visits to professional performances and workshops both outside and within college off £100. The cost of each trip will be specified in letters given to the students prior to each trip/workshop. Please be aware that the college has a Student Support Fund for those who have financial difficulties, so please do not allow any worries in this area to prevent you from embarking on this course.
Career and Progression Possibilities
The GCE in Performing Arts has been designed to provide a broad educational basis for higher education or for moving into employment or training within the performing arts sector.