This is a two-year vocational course, equivalent to one and a half A Levels, for students interested in acting and performance. The course combines both practical and theoretical approaches to drama and students will explore a range of plays, acting styles and techniques through workshops and performances. You will see professional theatre productions and attend workshops run by professional artists. The course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to continue on to higher education.
At Cadbury we have been working with professional performers who deliver workshops from the shows they are working on, including West End stars from productions such as Hamilton, Legally Blonde and School of Rock. Actors from Netflix's ‘The One’ and ‘Topboy’ have delivered fantastic sessions to our classes about working in the industry and their experiences. Further workshops will be held throughout the course to assist you in working on your productions for audiences.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 including Maths and English.
Students have gone on to study at prestigious drama schools such as Central School of Speech and Drama, Birmingham School of Acting as well as some of the UK’s top Universities. This has led students to careers in the arts such as Actor, Writer and Drama Therapist.
Activities vary from year to year but generally involve trips out to the theatre or to workshops plus in-house visits from professional or experienced artistes. Students are advised of local auditions and any chances to perform and supported in their applications to them. Last year’s students toured local schools with their devised children’s theatre piece which was rapturously received. We now have a partnership with the Birmingham REP that allows us to work with directors both in college and at the REP including several performances in their theatre.
Course Components
The course consists of two modules spread over two years:
Module A:
Performing Arts Skills Development - Exploring Performance Styles
Creating Performance Material
Performing for an Audience
Module F:
The Performing Arts Industry
Planning a Career in the Industry
Assessment
All units are internally assessed and externally verified. Most of the units involve an element of performance combined with research and reflection demonstrated through an actor’s log-book and/or evaluative essay.
Coursework
The course is constructed around six assignments which include the assessment and grading criteria of the specification. The evidence for these can be offered in a variety of divergent forms including class presentations, closed or public performances, written or recorded reports, performance observations and time-constrained assessments.
Examination
This course has no externally set exam.
Exam Board
Edexcel and Pearson
