Drama & Performing Arts
We're proud to say we're specialists in the performing arts. But what does this mean for you? For starters there are lots of subjects to choose from with pathways in art, media and performing arts at AS and A2 levels.
You also have access to excellent resources and facilities at our Harrow Weald Campus and our tutors' invaluable expertise. The great thing about studying drama is that the communication and analytical skills you will develop are really useful in a whole host of careers such as psychology, law, journalism, business or social work, as well as the performing arts industry.
Courses by Level
AS/A2 Drama
This is an exciting and practical course, which develops your acting and directing skills. In AS, you will explore two plays in practical workshops and your practical work will be assessed and count toward the total marks for Unit 1, as well as written coursework. The workshops will give you a wide understanding of drama and theatre practitioners, and develop your analytical and creative skills. You'll also go on theatre trips to enable you to evaluate live theatre and your own acting skills. In Unit 2 you will perform a monologue or duologue plus a role in a play. These two performances are externally examined and round off the AS year.
At A2, you will create and perform your own devised piece in a small group for Unit 3. For Unit 4 you will develop your skills as a director and your ideas will be explored in a written examination through questions on staging and direction of a set play, which you will have explored in creative workshop sessions.
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts
This course focuses on developing a range of acting skills and approaches to creating your own theatre for audiences. It is practically based and you'll learn by being in performances and being aware of how your skills are improving. Written coursework assignments are based on the practical work you have done and on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. Students are not required to be able to sing or dance for this pathway but if they have these skills they will be used! The qualification is equivalent to 4 GCSEs.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
This is an exciting and practical course, which focuses on acting skills, from voice, film and TV acting, and physical theatre to improvisation and devising. You'll explore in depth a variety of styles and approaches to creating theatre for an audience. You'll be cast in a variety of roles and will also have the opportunity to perform to public audiences and in primary schools. Over the two year course you will go to a wide variety of live theatre performances, which will help you develop your own acting style. The course is geared to develop your skills to a professional standard, enabling you to enter the competitive world of theatre with confidence and ability. This is an 18 unit award equivalent to three A levels which can be used as a stepping stone to University or employment.
Our past students have moved on to E15, Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Italia Conti as well as a range of universities. Degree courses, including Drama and theatre studies or many other related subjects, or careers in the Performing Arts industry, and related fields. Drama skills are transferable to careers such as Business, Politics, Law, Psychology, Journalism and many others.
