BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts

What will students study in BTEC Dance this year?

BTEC Dance, pupils follow the Pearson Edexcel course.

They will study three mandatory units:

-Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work. Learners investigate the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work.

-Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance. Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles.

-Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop. Learners explore and integrate creative, physical and vocal skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus.

There is one optional unit which has been designed to support choices in progression to dance courses in higher education, and to link with relevant occupational areas. At CHSG this is:

-Unit 12: Contemporary Dance Technique. Learners develop their knowledge, skills and techniques with an emphasis on practical development, application and performance skills.

Learners will demonstrate the following:

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology
• intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
• interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

Year 12: Unit 2 and Unit 3

Year 13: Unit 1 and Unit 12

What are the major assessments this year?

Students will complete a range of written and practical coursework to support their final grade for each unit. Some written aspects will be completed in controlled conditions. Unit 1 and Unit 3 are externally assessed units and Unit 2 and Unit 12 are internally assessed units.

What do assessments test?

The assessments will test pupils’ knowledge, understanding and application of the key concepts of each unit.

What are the expectations of my daughter in BTEC Dance?

Pupils should turn up to their lessons with all their equipment, including any additional reading and tasks completed. They need to have a positive attitude towards learning and participate to the best of their ability every lesson. Pupils are also expected to review key concepts from every lesson and complete all homework to the best of their ability.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in BTEC Dance?

In the first instance, please get your child to talk to their teacher about how we can support them further and offer them targeted advice and ways to help. They may suggest extra resources to aid their work.

How can I best support my daughter in BTEC Dance?

Ensure your child is completing all coursework to the best of their ability and all deadlines are met. Encourage your child reviews all theory content to develop their recall knowledge. Encourage extra reading and viewing of professional dance works.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Please feel free to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance or Miss Mitchell, Lead Teacher of Dance on hmitchell@carshaltongirls.org.uk