Ivybridge
Community College
BTEC Performing Arts
Welcome to BTEC Performing Arts at Ivybridge Community College.
Welcome to BTEC Performing Arts at Ivybridge Community College. This two-year course, accredited by Pearson, provides an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue a career in the Performing Arts or progress to further related study. The qualification is equivalent to one A Level and can be studied alongside other BTEC courses or A Levels, allowing students to broaden their academic profile or focus more specifically on creative progression routes such as Drama and Theatre Studies, Dance or Music.
The course is highly practical and performance-led, with students regularly involved in rehearsal and performance work to a professional standard. It requires commitment, discipline and a strong work ethic, as well as a willingness to develop as a performer. Students are taught by specialist teachers in acting, singing and dance, ensuring high-quality training across all disciplines. Throughout the course, students develop key performance skills in acting, singing and dancing, gaining a strong understanding of the demands and expectations of the Performing Arts industry while building confidence, creativity and professionalism.
What will you study?
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is a 360 guided learning hours (GLH) qualification made up of four units. Three of these are mandatory, with two externally assessed and one internally assessed, alongside two additional internally assessed specialist units. The mandatory content accounts for 83% of the overall qualification.
Mandatory Units
Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work (90 GLH)
Externally assessed
Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance (90 GLH)
Internally assessed
Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop (120 GLH)
Externally assessed
Specialist Units (Optional)
Unit 27: Musical Theatre Techniques (60 GLH)
Internally assessed
Unit 28: Variety Performance (60 GLH)
Internally assessed
These units combine to develop practical performance skills, theoretical understanding and industry-focused experience.
Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/btec-nat-performing-arts-practice.html
Career Opportunities
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts supports progression into a wide range of Higher Education and career opportunities within the creative and wider professional industries.
Students may progress to:
- Higher Education courses in Performing Arts, Dance, Drama or related subjects
- Performing Arts, Dance or Drama schools
- Careers as actors, dancers or directors in film, television or theatre
- Roles within theatre or performing arts companies
- Teaching or workshop facilitation
- Leadership and management roles
- Communication-based careers requiring confident, well-rounded individuals
Previous Student Destinations
Former students have progressed to leading specialist institutions, including:
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
- Institute of the Arts Barcelona
- East 15 Acting School
- Bird College
Entry Requirements
Students are preferably expected to have five GCSEs at grades 9–5, including Drama, English and Mathematics. However, in the absence of a Drama qualification, we would expect students to have some performance experience and/or involvement in extracurricular Performing Arts activities.
At the start of the course, students will also be required to take part in group work to help assess their suitability for the programme.
For more information, please contact the College here: