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Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel

Course Title: BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts

Why should I choose to study Dance?

Dance allows students of all abilities to be supported and challenged in developing their technical, choreographic and appreciation skills. Dance is a fun and enjoyable course that relates to the performing arts industry in giving you a taste of the roles and responsibilities of a dancer. This course is ideal for dedicated students who like a challenge and those who enjoy learning in a practical way. It is great for building confidence and communication skills.

What will I learn?

Component One is “Exploring the Performing Arts”. You will learn about different styles of dance and approaches to choreography. Whilst study existing dance works, analysing roles, skills and relationships; processes and techniques used in rehearsal and performance. The final assessment includes a presentation, teacher observations and recordings of workshops.  Component Two is “Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts”. You will learn skills and techniques used in rehearsal and performance. Assessment includes teacher observations, recordings of classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances, peer observations and a logbook containing self-review and target-setting sheets. In Component Three, “Performing to a Brief”, you will work through the creation and realisation processes of production to generate a performance for an audience. You will also evaluate the processes and outcomes. The evidence for this assessment is a combination of recordings, a written log and evaluation report.

What will be expected of me?

You must follow and abide by clear rules, routines and expectations.  Your attendance must be outstanding as it is very hard to catch up work if you are absent. You will be expected to adhere to the high code of conduct established in the performing arts department. You need to be self-motivated and willing to accept and act on constructive criticism. You should be able to take direction, but also generate ideas of your own and be an independent thinker. 

What skills will I develop?

The aim of the course is to make dance understandable and accessible to all students and for you to understand the skills needed to be a dancer. You will develop skills in technique, choreography and appreciation.

How will I be assessed?

Internally assessed and externally moderated work makes up 75% of the final grade – Components One and Two; the remaining 25% is external assessment – Component Three. There are practical examinations as part of the controlled assessment elements and in these you will be assessed on your technical competency and performance quality. There is also a significant amount of written work for all units and this must reflect and match the standard of your practical work.

Where will this qualification lead me?

A number of our students go on to study BTEC Level 3 courses at college and sixth form, this can then lead to study at degree level in a performing arts subject.