Level 3 Foundation/Extended
Diploma in Performing Arts.

Your Performing Arts Qualification.

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Course overview

The Level 3 Foundation/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice is a full-time, two-year programme, designed for learners who wish to pursue a career in performing arts.

The qualification aims to provide a wide-ranging study of the sector, providing learners with experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for further study or training. This includes the opportunity for learners to choose several topics from a selection of options reflecting the progression pathways in performing arts.

AWARDING BODY:

The qualification achieved will be awarded by an official awarding body, eg: Pearson/RSL

START DATE:

September 2024

DURATION:

2-years

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

To prepare learners for the world of work in the performing arts industry, learners will be required to audition and interview for this education programme and must achieve five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, where possible, including English Language and maths (although this will not prevent entry to the programme where learners demonstrate appropriate behaviours and attitudes towards their ongoing English and maths development).  If successful at audition, learners will simply apply and enrol with SCL Creative.

AGE:

For 16-18-year olds.

COST:

The cost of this tuition is fully funded for 16-18-year old’s.

Uniform may be required, dependent on education centre.

UCAS POINTS:

Up to 168 UCAS points available, dependent on grade achieved.

YOUR PROGRAMME
YOUR EDUCATION
WORK EXPERIENCE
PERFORMING ARTS ENRICHMENT
PROGRESSION ROUTES

Your Level 3 Foundation/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will take place over two years and is delivered within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios.

 

YEAR 1: Foundation*

  • Exploring Performance Styles
  • Creating Performance Material
  • Performing to a Live Audience
  • Planning a Career in the Industry

*Pathway options are available in Dance, General Performing Arts and Musical Theatre. Grading criteria is specified to a chosen pathway to allow learners to develop skills and techniques in their chosen specialism and pathway.

 

YEAR 2: Extended

  • Producing a Personal Project
  • Using Material for Self-Promotion & Networking
  • Undertaking a defined Creative or Administrative Role
  • Using Development Plans to refine Skills
  • Using collaboration to develop a project
  • Producing a collaborative project

 

 

 

YOUR EDUCATION

Your Level 3 Foundation/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.

Past learners have successfully auditioned to advanced training schools such as Urdang, Laine, Addict, Bird, Rambert, Northern Ballet, ArtsEd, Wilkes, and many more. Other students have gained employment directly into the industry including TV work, touring shows, cruise ships and modelling contracts.

 

INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE

SCL are nationally accredited for information, advice and guidance and we are trained in these areas to help you with your development.

Our Careers Leader oversees our careers information, advice & guidance strategy. Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.

Our Careers Leader is dedicated to supporting you to understand your career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready and life skills.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Teaching staff will deliver SCL’s Personal Development Programme, which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings, aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.

The programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers, and will form part of your timetable, with a scheduled 1 hour per week.

Your Personal Development Programme will allow you to stand out from the crowd. You will develop the behaviours, attitudes and values, which are transferrable into the professional world, supporting you to receive the best possible opportunities for your future.

In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.

 

TUTORIAL PROGRAMME

In addition to the Personal Development Programme you will have a 1 hour tutorial focusing on well-being and wellness specific to supporting learners in the Creative Arts industry.

 

ENGLISH & MATHS

If you are yet to pass a qualification in English and/or maths prior to starting your programme with SCL, you will be required to study one or both alongside your qualification.

We know that English and maths can be challenging and have invested in our services to help you overcome that challenge. Upon course completion, the skills you acquire will be evidenced by either a Functional Skills or a GCSE qualification.

Learn more

WORK EXPERIENCE

We understand the difference that experiencing the real world of work can make to your achievement on your course and your ability to make good decisions for your future which is why, as part of your education programme, you will take part in a minimum of 24 hours’ of work experience.

Whether it’s performing in pantomime or coaching within schools, our approach to work experience allows you to take centre-stage and unleash your star power.

Gain exclusive access to real work experience opportunities across our network including:

  • Theatre experience, shadowing stage technicians, choreographers, directors and/or artistic directors
  • First-hand experience within a Performing Arts Company, working with West End directors to gain an inside look into what it’s like to work as a performer
  • Event experience, performing as part of Can You Dance and Move It conventions
  • Music video experience, working with talent agents and videographers to create music videos
  • Teaching at SEN schools
  • Teaching private performing arts classes
  • Working in Performing Arts costume shops

WIDER PERFORMING ARTS CAREERS

We also provide opportunities to experience careers within the wider performing arts sector, where your qualification might not directly provide entry. However, work experience within these areas could provide sound information, advice and guidance that will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your next step.

 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Participating in performing arts related work experience allows you to enhance your personal development and knowledge of the performing arts industry.

You will gain insight into what it will be like to work in the performing arts industry, whilst developing your communication, IT, time management and team working skills.

By showcasing your skills, knowledge and personality through work experience and direct engagement with employers, you will increase your opportunities to secure meaningful employment upon completion of your course.

Further careers information, advice and guidance and support securing an appropriate work experience placement will be provided through our Careers Leader, our team of Progress Coaches and your Tutor.

As part of your enrichment, you’ll take part in weekly workshops, rehearse with artists and gain unique and practical insights through audition masterclasses with professional choreographers, with portfolios including Dua Lipa and 50 Cent.

Workshops could include:

  • Acrobatics through AcroPAD and Showtime Circus Skills
  • Aerialist workshops including hoop/silks and ropes
  • West End musical workshops
  • Private singing tuition
  • Acting through song classes
  • Video editing to create showreels that showcase your skills and experience
  • Mindfulness, including Pilates, foam roll workshops and candlelight yoga

HIGHER EDUCATION

Successful completion of your study programme will provide you with the option to apply for university. As part of your weekly tutorials, you will receive support and guidance with your UCAS and student finance applications.


EMPLOYMENT

Throughout your programme, you will receive information, support and guidance on a variety of aspects to support you in securing meaningful employment. This will form the basis of your tutorial sessions, in addition to the academic monitoring and target setting.

Careers supported by your qualification include:

Performance:
Musical Theatre Performer
Music Video Performer
Performer with a talent agent
Cruise line performer
Singer/vocalist
Touring Company Performer
Choreographer
Assistant choreographer

 

Education:
Teacher – Educational or Private
Freelance teacher
Community Arts teacher

Management and Leadership:
Artistic manager of own Company
Performing Arts Development Manager – Developing arts across regions
Performing Arts Events Management

Media and Critique:
Performing Arts Journalist/critic

Therapeutic:
Dance/Movement Therapist

 

APPRENTICESHIPS

If you decide to combine further study with employment, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship within the performing arts industry.

 

YOUR PROGRAMME

Your Level 3 Foundation/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will take place over two years and is delivered within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios.

 

YEAR 1: Foundation*

  • Exploring Performance Styles
  • Creating Performance Material
  • Performing to a Live Audience
  • Planning a Career in the Industry

*Pathway options are available in Dance, General Performing Arts and Musical Theatre. Grading criteria is specified to a chosen pathway to allow learners to develop skills and techniques in their chosen specialism and pathway.

 

YEAR 2: Extended

  • Producing a Personal Project
  • Using Material for Self-Promotion & Networking
  • Undertaking a defined Creative or Administrative Role
  • Using Development Plans to refine Skills
  • Using collaboration to develop a project
  • Producing a collaborative project

 

 

 

YOUR EDUCATION

YOUR EDUCATION

Your Level 3 Foundation/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.

Past learners have successfully auditioned to advanced training schools such as Urdang, Laine, Addict, Bird, Rambert, Northern Ballet, ArtsEd, Wilkes, and many more. Other students have gained employment directly into the industry including TV work, touring shows, cruise ships and modelling contracts.

 

INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE

SCL are nationally accredited for information, advice and guidance and we are trained in these areas to help you with your development.

Our Careers Leader oversees our careers information, advice & guidance strategy. Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.

Our Careers Leader is dedicated to supporting you to understand your career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready and life skills.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Teaching staff will deliver SCL’s Personal Development Programme, which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings, aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.

The programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers, and will form part of your timetable, with a scheduled 1 hour per week.

Your Personal Development Programme will allow you to stand out from the crowd. You will develop the behaviours, attitudes and values, which are transferrable into the professional world, supporting you to receive the best possible opportunities for your future.

In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.

 

TUTORIAL PROGRAMME

In addition to the Personal Development Programme you will have a 1 hour tutorial focusing on well-being and wellness specific to supporting learners in the Creative Arts industry.

 

ENGLISH & MATHS

If you are yet to pass a qualification in English and/or maths prior to starting your programme with SCL, you will be required to study one or both alongside your qualification.

We know that English and maths can be challenging and have invested in our services to help you overcome that challenge. Upon course completion, the skills you acquire will be evidenced by either a Functional Skills or a GCSE qualification.

Learn more
WORK EXPERIENCE

WORK EXPERIENCE

We understand the difference that experiencing the real world of work can make to your achievement on your course and your ability to make good decisions for your future which is why, as part of your education programme, you will take part in a minimum of 24 hours’ of work experience.

Whether it’s performing in pantomime or coaching within schools, our approach to work experience allows you to take centre-stage and unleash your star power.

Gain exclusive access to real work experience opportunities across our network including:

  • Theatre experience, shadowing stage technicians, choreographers, directors and/or artistic directors
  • First-hand experience within a Performing Arts Company, working with West End directors to gain an inside look into what it’s like to work as a performer
  • Event experience, performing as part of Can You Dance and Move It conventions
  • Music video experience, working with talent agents and videographers to create music videos
  • Teaching at SEN schools
  • Teaching private performing arts classes
  • Working in Performing Arts costume shops

WIDER PERFORMING ARTS CAREERS

We also provide opportunities to experience careers within the wider performing arts sector, where your qualification might not directly provide entry. However, work experience within these areas could provide sound information, advice and guidance that will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your next step.

 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Participating in performing arts related work experience allows you to enhance your personal development and knowledge of the performing arts industry.

You will gain insight into what it will be like to work in the performing arts industry, whilst developing your communication, IT, time management and team working skills.

By showcasing your skills, knowledge and personality through work experience and direct engagement with employers, you will increase your opportunities to secure meaningful employment upon completion of your course.

Further careers information, advice and guidance and support securing an appropriate work experience placement will be provided through our Careers Leader, our team of Progress Coaches and your Tutor.

PERFORMING ARTS ENRICHMENT

As part of your enrichment, you’ll take part in weekly workshops, rehearse with artists and gain unique and practical insights through audition masterclasses with professional choreographers, with portfolios including Dua Lipa and 50 Cent.

Workshops could include:

  • Acrobatics through AcroPAD and Showtime Circus Skills
  • Aerialist workshops including hoop/silks and ropes
  • West End musical workshops
  • Private singing tuition
  • Acting through song classes
  • Video editing to create showreels that showcase your skills and experience
  • Mindfulness, including Pilates, foam roll workshops and candlelight yoga

PROGRESSION ROUTES

HIGHER EDUCATION

Successful completion of your study programme will provide you with the option to apply for university. As part of your weekly tutorials, you will receive support and guidance with your UCAS and student finance applications.


EMPLOYMENT

Throughout your programme, you will receive information, support and guidance on a variety of aspects to support you in securing meaningful employment. This will form the basis of your tutorial sessions, in addition to the academic monitoring and target setting.

Careers supported by your qualification include:

Performance:
Musical Theatre Performer
Music Video Performer
Performer with a talent agent
Cruise line performer
Singer/vocalist
Touring Company Performer
Choreographer
Assistant choreographer

 

Education:
Teacher – Educational or Private
Freelance teacher
Community Arts teacher

Management and Leadership:
Artistic manager of own Company
Performing Arts Development Manager – Developing arts across regions
Performing Arts Events Management

Media and Critique:
Performing Arts Journalist/critic

Therapeutic:
Dance/Movement Therapist

 

APPRENTICESHIPS

If you decide to combine further study with employment, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship within the performing arts industry.

 

OUR CENTRES

DEDICATED SUPPORT

Your dedicated tutor, progress coach and our support teams are dedicated to you and your development at SCL.

FOCUSSED ON YOUR FUTURE

Graduates of the programme have successfully auditioned to advanced training schools such as Urdang, Laine, Addict, Bird, Rambert, Northern Ballet, ArtsEd, Wilkes, and many more.

PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE-BUILT ART STUDIOS

Experience real performing arts environments’ where you can experience the energy that this programme brings.

YOUR WELLBEING

We maintain an ethos and culture where you feel safe, feel comfortable to talk and know you will be heard.

EMPLOYABILITY & WORK EXPERIENCE

We focus on giving you the experience and skills as part of your programme with SCL to secure future employment on your career journey.

SPECIALIST ENGLISH & MATHS

A dedicated team of specialists will support you if you are required to work towards these qualifications as part of your programme.

“SCL College is helping to support the next steps in my career with the team of intensive teachers and industry pros that come and have workshops with us. This helps me to make connections and see what the current industry is like with their experience in stage performance.”