A Level Performing Arts Applied

Performing Arts (Applied) (AS and A Level)

PERFORMING ARTS

AS and A Level (OCR)

Campus: Marple
(28.07.09)

Course overview

Performing Arts aims to encourage candidates to develop broad skills, knowledge and understanding of the performing arts sectors reflecting on current working practices in the performing arts industry.

AS Level (year one)

Unit One

This unit will help you understand how the business works. You will produce a case study of two different organisations and an individual presentation that investigates one particular role within one of the organisations.

Unit Two

In this unit you develop your professional practice and explore new skills in your specialist art form. You will produce a skills-development plan of techniques and skills achieved; video evidence of three pieces of work with a commentary on how these examples show your own skills development and an observation report by an appropriately-skilled observer.

Unit Three (or Four)

You will apply the skills studied in Unit 2, as you work to put on a group performance. This will be an examined piece of performance. You will keep a working diary of the process which will be made available to the visiting examiner in advance of the performance.

A Level (year two)

Unit Five

This unit helps you to learn more about current working practices in the business and will prepare you for further study or training in performing arts-related occupations.

Unit Six

You will work as a company to produce and perform two contrasting pieces of practical repertoire work. You will research the social, historical and cultural context of these pieces.

Unit Seven (or Eight)

You will present a Showcase containing two contrasting solo pieces and duet. You will also produce notes recording each stage of your preparation, including evidence of your supporting research. You will discuss these with the visiting examiner before you present your Showcase.

How you will learn

You will be taught by specialist staff. Many of the lessons will be practical, for which you must wear practical kit. You will also undertake personal research, attend formal lectures and take part in discussion and presentations.

How you will be assessed

You will be continually assessed throughout the course, submitting two portfolios for each level, as well as taking a practical examination which contains a viva voce about your notes at each level.

Special entry requirements

You need a genuine interest in performing arts subjects. You must be prepared to participate in performances and be involved in rehearsals outside of normal lesson time. It is recommended that you take a First Aid Qualification alongside this course.

What the students say

This isnt just about performing; its about the business side which will be really useful in the future.

(Louise Hey)

Other useful information

There will be opportunities to perform and also to attend theatre visits (costs involved with the visits).