Performing Arts

Course Summary

Why choose to study drama? Perhaps you have a specific interest in a career in theatre, be it on the stage as actor or director, behind the scenes technical or in theatre management. Maybe you have a real enjoyment of the drama side of Literature and want to develop this area of your knowledge base. Or you may quite simply have a love for the theatre that you feel would translate well to A level study. Drama and Theatre Studies AS and A2 will appeal to students who are committed to broadening their experience of performance, live theatre appreciation and text study. The subject is excellent for students who enjoy varied learning styles; lessons are divided between practical and theoretical study and focus on a range of theatrical styles and time periods. Throughout the course you will be asked to engage in creative tasks, independent research, presentations, essay writing, intensive rehearsals, performances, workshops with professional companies, and to visits to the theatre.

The main areas studied are:

• Live Theatre Appreciation
• Prescribed Plays
• Performance of Scripted Drama
• Creation and Performance of Devised Drama
• Supporting Note writing

Where might it lead

If you have your sights set on performing as a career, many students have found their A Level Drama studies excellent preparation for advancing into full time training in Higher Education and a career in the Performing Arts. Former students have successfully auditioned for prestigious UK Drama schools, Arts Ed, Mountview Academy, LIPA and GSA. In addition students have studied Drama to provide a creative aspect to their A level programme. Former Drama students have gone on to study at Russell Group Universities such as Warwick, Birmingham and Cambridge, reading subjects such as Law, Maths and English. Drama can lead to any number of employment routes from roles directly linked to the theatre, film and television industry, performers, directors, stage management, front of house management, costume design, set design, makeup etc to positions including teaching, lecturing and drama therapy.

Student perspective

“My decision to take Drama and Theatre Studies at A level was an easy one, largely due to my career plans. The course is interesting as we explore many practitioners and plays, giving me a wider range of skills that I can use later on in my career. The continued support from the staff also ensures that the enthusiasm never fades from a single student as each one of us is pushed to become the very best we can be.”
Lewis Brinnicombe, Year 12

Entrance Criteria – In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above

Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Drama.

Course Summary

If you are a strong dancer and have keen interest in dance it is an excellent subject to take as part of your A Level profile. Many students agree they leave with skills that are applicable to further study and future life. Dance A Level will appeal to students who are committed to broadening their experience of choreography, performance and appreciation. The subject is excellent for students who enjoy varied learning styles; lessons are divided between practical and theoretical study. Throughout the course you will be asked to engage in problem solving tasks, individual research, creation of presentations, essay writing, conducting rehearsals, performances in the wider community, workshops with professional companies, and to visits to live professional dance.

The main areas studied are:

• Contemporary technique : Cunningham and Limon and Horton
• Performance studies for an ensemble and soloist
• Choreography for an ensemble
• Dance appreciation within the ballet and contemporary dance genres including prescribed set works and companies as areas of study

Where might it lead

If you have your sights set on performing as a career numerous students have found their A Level Dance studies excellent preparation for advancing into full time training in Higher Education and a career in the Performing Arts. Former students have successfully auditioned for prestigious UK contemporary dance conservatoires: London Contemporary Dance School, Trinity Laban and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. In addition students have studied Dance to provide a creative angle to their A level profile. The Dance industry employs around 30,000 people including dancers, choreographers, teachers, community dance practitioners, promoters, producers, designers, publicists, technicians, physiotherapists, medical and alternative practitioners, therapists, writers and academics.

Student perspective

“Dance as an A Level choice, was about not only enhancing skills and abilities needed for a career in the subject, to me Dance was a way I could pursue and develop a true passion. During the course I gained a sense of my own skills and unique style. Understanding the universality of Dance at A Level undoubtedly helped me to explore and develop my own craft.”
Jacob Roberts Year 13

Entrance Criteria – In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above

Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Dance.

Course Summary

The Music course will seek to develop and apply musical knowledge. The understanding and skills developed during the course will ensure that students can form a personal and meaningful relationship with music. The students will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts and reflect on how music is used in the expression of ideas and concepts. The course will allow students to develop particular strengths and interests, encouraging lifelong learning and providing access to higher education and university degree courses in music and music-related subjects as well as music-related and other careers.

The Subject content is divided into three components:

• Appraising music
• Performance
• Composition

Where might it lead

A Level Music is the ideal platform for anyone wanting to pursue a career in music whether it be in the field of performing, composing or in the historical context of music and composers.

Student perspective

“Music is everywhere and A level Music has allowed me the opportunity to explore and understand other musical styles and worlds”
Sasha Carillo, Year 13

Entrance Criteria – In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above

Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Music.

Course Summary

Are you interested in Musical Theatre? Singing? Dancing? Acting? The combination of all three? Do you enjoy watching live theatre performances? What about getting up there and doing it yourself? If so, a Level 3 BTEC qualification (equivalent to at least ONE A level) in Musical Theatre would be the right choice for you!

Musical Theatre is the crafting of a piece of entertainment combining the three performance arts, drama, dance and music. Many of the world’s favourite theatre works are in the musical theatre genre and offer a form escapism for many audiences.

Through your study of Musical Theatre, you will learn skills and techniques associated with acting, dance and singing and most importantly how to craft these into an entertaining and stimulating piece of performance. You will work throughout the course as a musical theatre company, creating, marketing and performing your own showcase performances and complete works.

Some of the Units available for study are:

• Musical Theatre Performance
• Performing for a target audience
• Singing for actors
• Devising Theatre
• Audition skills

Where might it lead

Musical Theatre alumni, have continued on to many of the most prestigious UK and Overseas Drama and Dance schools and from there to a career on the professional stage. Other employment routes include; Theatre management, teaching and many more non-performing arts related jobs.

Student perspective

“Choosing Music Theatre was a simple decision for me, as I want to continue my studies at University, and performing in professional theatre is my long-term goal. My abilities in this subject have advanced greatly due to the excellent teaching skills of the staff”
Romani Dante, Year 13

Entrance Criteria – In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above

Please discuss additional requirements with the Performing Arts team.