Performing Arts GCE A Level

Performing Arts GCE A Level

Qualification: AS/A2 - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
4 x GCSE B grades, a grade C or better in drama, dance or music or equivalent practical experience.

Head of Department: Mr Jonathan Cotterall

Course assessment:
As a member of the Drama Department, you will undergo assessment on a weekly and termly basis through internal testing and homework and College wide assessments.
In the AS year of your Performing Arts course, you will produce two pieces of written coursework and have one major practical assessment.
At A2, you will produce two more pieces of written coursework and perform one piece of practical work that will be assessed by a visiting examiner.

What can this course offer me?
Develop skills in Drama, Dance and Music, experience the work of major practitioners in each area and take part in a variety of performances! The emphasis is on practical exploration of body and voice and how each art form can be used individually and collectively to communicate with an audience. If you don't like performing in public, this isn't the course for you!
Tutors are experts in their fields, have considerable professional experience, and can give you the help and guidance you need.

What will I learn?
The AS Course
You Explore skills in the three art forms and then develop them over the course of the term.

You will also look at how to effectively plan for a theatrical event.

Your main practical assessment is based on devising a group piece from a given stimulus.

The A2 Course
You will look at the variety of employment opportunities in the Performing Arts and how to get there!

You will also further develop the practical skills you explored in the first year.

Your main practical assessment this year is in response to an assignment set by the exam board.

What Makes a good Performing Arts student?
A GCSE qualification at Grade C or better in one or more of the three art forms or in Expressive Arts is highly desirable, but not essential. You do need to be strong, or at least competent, in two of the three art forms and have an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm.

Which other courses link well with this subject?
A wide range of courses including Drama and Theatre Studies, English, Media Studies, Film Studies, Art, Music, Modern Languages, Sociology and Psychology.

Future Opportunities
Students with an A level could use it to access any performance related course, Teacher Training or the Performance Industry, Art Therapy or Arts Administration.

Is there anything else I need to know?
As with all performance based courses, a high amount of dedication and commitment are needed if you are to be successful.