Why choose the Btec National Award in Moving Arts?

We are excited to start offering this course, equivalent to an A/S level, which allows students to further their interest in acting and performing arts. The Btec National is designed for students who want to follow a career in the Performing Arts industry. This might be as an actor, performer or director. However, it would also be a good course to take if you were considering a career in the following: the entertainment industry (i.e. theatres, cinemas, radio, television, venue management) and especially useful in applying for jobs in which there is importance placed on team work and communication skills. It is important to note that the entertainment sector is the third largest employer in the country.

Course Outline

Students will keep a written portfolio of their learning and are assessed on both this and the practical work that they rehearse and perform. We cover two core units and three further units selected from the list below which are chosen according to the interests and skills of the class.

The course runs for a year and you are able to take the course in many different combinations, please see the pathways grid in the application pack for more information.

The course involves written work, which is assessed alongside your practical work. You will need to be well organised in order to complete the written work and attend rehearsals which take place outside of normal lesson time.

Students will look in detail at the following two areas:

Performing to an audience

This unit gives the student the opportunity to undertake, prepare and perform a role as part of a performing arts company presenting work to an audience. This could be in a primary school for example. You will be assessed on how you work as part of a team as well as your individual work.

Principles of acting

Student build their rehearsal and performance skills using acting techniques, such as vocal and physical exercises. They will learn about the key practitioners: Stanislavski, Brecht, Berkoff, Pinter and Grotwoski. They take part in a series of practical workshops and give at least two performances lasting 20 to 30 minutes long. Students will have the opportunity to use a play text as well as developing an improvisation. They will complete a written actor's log which recounts their learning.

Three additional units (chosen by teachers and students)

• Theatre for Children
• Film and TV acting
• Stand Up Comic technique
• Movement Skills in Performance
• Physical Theatre
• Radio Acting
• Devising Plays
• Clowning

Staff Involved

Mr. Peter Hedge - Head of Drama, Advanced Skills Teacher

Ms. Emily Summers - Drama/English

Entry requirements

It is not essential that you have taken Performing Arts or Drama before but you must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in performing before joining the course. You need to have gained a Grade 'C' or above in English Language and/or Literature and ideally a Grade 'B' or above in GCSE Drama and/or Performing Arts. If you are in any doubt about your suitability for the course please speak directly to Mr Hedge or Ms Summers and we will do our best to help you.

Course Results

This is the first year this course has been offered.

Enquiries

Please address all enquiries regarding the Btec Performing Arts course to Mr Peter Hedge via Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College or phedge@samuelward.suffolk.sch.uk