What does it include?

At level 3 you will be required to become a self-managed learner building on skills you have developed at previous levels either at college or in school. The expectation at level 3 is that you are mature, professional, reflective and motivated. You should be able to seek appropriate support where required and complete work independently. Level 3 courses will provide opportunities for higher level practical skills but also an understanding of the historical context of the performing arts.

What do I need to get on to it?

To be a successful applicant to our programmes in Performing Arts you should have the following qualifications:

• You will have a minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language Or
• A Level 2 qualification at Merit or above with Functional Skills Literacy qualification at Level 2
• At interview you will need to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to this area of work.
• You will take an Initial Assessment at interview, which you will need to pass at Level 2 to gain access to the course.
• All courses are subject to a successful and positive reference from a previous tutor or employer.

The Application & Interview Process

After your application is received, you will be invited to the college for an interview and expected to demonstrate yourself as an enthusiastic, professional member of the student group.

We will write to you before the interview, requesting anything that you may be required to bring with you. This could be some previous work or projects you have been involved in.

You must provide a positive reference from either your school teacher/form tutor or a previous employer.

You must also bring your grade certificates for completed qualifications and any predicted grades that you have for pending qualifications.

You should also bring a pen and have some questions prepared about the course you are applying for.

Remember you are applying for a place on a competitive course and should be displaying the skills required to impress and succeed in achieving a place on that course.

All applicants for our performing arts courses are auditioned: You will be asked to prepare a 1-2 minute performance of your choice and you should play to your strengths; this could be a song, dance or drama piece either developed by yourself or learnt from a published play or previously choreographed piece of work.

You will also take part in a short dance/music/drama workshop and this is an opportunity for you to experience the college as much as our opportunity to experience you. The audition is not a talent contest (i.e., X-Factor/Britain’s Got Talent) but an opportunity to demonstrate your existing skill and for us to ensure you are correctly placed on the right course and at the right level. The audition does not supersede your GCSE/Diploma results – these are still essential entry criteria.

How is the Course assessed?

You will be assessed continually through practical project work, coursework, written assignments and through giving presentations. Practical assessment will include some public performances but also closed in-class presentation and workshop assessment.

A commitment to high attendance and punctuality is essential to completing the course successfully. You will be subject to a performance review with your tutor if your attendance drops below 90%.

You must keep your attendance high and submitting work within deadlines is a condition of the course.

You will be provided with feedback and support on how to improve grades from your lecturer as long as you meet your submission deadlines. You will receive a grade and supportive feedback within 3 weeks of a successful deadline submission.

Assignments are planned at the beginning of each year to avoid deadlines clashing however sometimes there are busier times of the year. You are however given more than a sufficient amount of time to complete projects/assignments and providing you meet your deadlines you will not be overworked.

If you fall behind you will be subject to performance tutorials with your tutor and be given a plan to support you to getting back on track however completion of work is your own responsibility and meeting deadlines is a compulsory part of your achievement. If you miss deadlines you will not have feedback and grades returned within a short time frame, as your tutors will have other assignments from the course schedule needing marked.

Where does it lead?

UCAS applications to HE institutions to study HND/HNC, Foundation Degree or BA(Hons) courses or to develop possible career opportunities in the performing arts, creative media industries including arts management and administration and the education sector.

Independent applications (usually through audition) for Drama School/Dance/Performing Arts HE Academies not part of the UCAS process.

Apprenticeships programmes within the Creative and Cultural Sector, subject to successful applications.

Facilities

All of our courses have access to the same facilities however you will use them in different capacities throughout your experience.

The school of Performing Arts & Sport has a variety of resources, equipment and facilities exclusive to its courses including;

• Two Studio/Theatre Space including two diverse lighting systems, projection & audio and retractable seating.
• Dance/Fitness Studio with full height mirrored wall & portable ballet barre & sound system.
• Fitness Suite (Gym) including wide range of Matrix branded Cardio & Resistance Equipment & Free Weights Area
• Sports Hall
• Dartfish performance analysis software

Awarding Body

EdExcel

For further information and to apply

If you wish to apply for this course, please complete a College application form.

If you need help before choosing your course, please contact our Information & Advice Centre or come along to one of our Open days.