St Mary's Catholic College, Wallasey

St Mary's Catholic College
A Voluntary Aided Academy

Key Stage 4 Performing Arts

 Drama at Key Stage 4 builds on the skills and techniques developed at Key Stage 3, encouraging personal development through practical workshops and performance.  This is a practical course and suitable for those students who wish to either develop performance skills and confidence or pursue career within the performing arts.

The course is made up of three unit:

Individual Showcase (Core)

This unit covers what to include in a letter of application and how to prepare audition pieces or presentations within the industry.  This is an externally assessed unit. The presentation aspect of the unit will give you knowledge and experience of the audition/presentation process.

Preparation, Performance and Production (Core)

Learners will work together as part of a performance company to explore, develop and shape ideas for an original piece of drama.  In this unit you will learn how to develop a performance piece as a member of a fictional performance company. You will take on a specific performing or production role and will prepare for, and produce, a performance by carrying out tasks that are appropriate to your role.

Acting Skills

This unit is about starting you on your journey to becoming a professional actor. You will be introduced to important acting skills and will learn about the specific demands that acting makes on the body and mind. This unit is about building foundations as an actor; it is not just about performance. As well as undertaking a programme of practical classes to develop physical and mental acting skills, leaners will be required to demonstrate progress throughout the unit in a final scripted play performance.

Assessment

Students will produce evidence in a variety of different forms, including: 

-Rehearsal Log book

-Skill audits and smart target reviews

- Video evidence of workshop participation

-Performances, timed practical assessments and observation records

-External assessment

-Presentations

Progression opportunities

The First Award in Performing Arts provides a good foundation for learners in post-16 education. The qualification provides a suitable foundation for further study within the sector through progression on to qualifications, such as BTEC Nationals, specifically the Pearson BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts. Alternatively, the underpinning knowledge, practical and vocational skills learnt will enhance and support progression to a competency-based course.

Successful learners at level 2 may also consider general qualifications at level 3 such as GCE AS or A Levels in Drama and Theatre Studies and Performing Arts