BTEC Dance (KS4)

Subject intent

Who is the qualification for?

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (Qualification Number: 603/0406/6), is for learners who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying acting, dance or musical theatre as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden the learners experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them. What does the qualification cover? The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment.

The focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:

• development of key skills that prove your aptitude in Performing Arts such as reproducing repertoire or responding to stimuli
• process that underpins effective ways of working in the Performing Arts, such as development of ideas, rehearsal and performance
• attitudes that are considered most important in the Performing Arts, including personal management and communication
• knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as roles, responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles. This Award complements the learning in GCSE programmes such as GCSE Drama and GCSE Dance by broadening experience and skills participation in different type of performance activities with the opportunity to practically apply your knowledge and skills, through project work such as developing ideas and performing for specific audiences.

What can the qualification lead to?

Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. The choices that learners can make post-16 will depend on their overall level of attainment and their performance in the qualification.

Learners who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:

• A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects
• study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Performing Arts, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the Performing Arts or Production Arts areas. Learners who generally achieve at Level 1 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:
• study at Level 2 post-16 in a range of technical routes designed to lead to work, to progression to employment, to apprenticeships or to further study at Level 3. For these learners, the attitudes and the reflective and communication skills covered in this qualification will help them achieve
• study of Performing Arts post-16 through the study of a technical certificate. Learners who perform strongly in this qualification compared to their overall performance should strongly consider this progression route as it can lead ultimately to employment in the performing arts sector.

KS4 specification

BTEC Tech 2022 Onwards Guide

Curriculum plan