Edexcel Advanced GCE in Performing Arts

(Single award)

Course content

The qualification has an AS/A2 structure.  It gives students an understanding of all aspects of performing arts and combines it with the opportunity to specialise.  Whilst developing their own skills, students gain insights into the nature of the industry.

Assessment and unit outlines

AS units

Unit 1 :  Exploring skills for performance

The emphasis on this unit is on the progress that students make in one or more skills (arts administration and marketing, dance, design, drama, music, music technology, technical aspects of production).  You will learn how to assess and monitor your own skill level through practical workshops.  You will have the opportunity to experience professional performance practice.

Unit 2 :  Planning for an event

This unit will allow you to communicate a creative idea and to understand how to plan to make the event happen.  You will plan an actual event and develop skills in research, planning, development and evaluation.  You will consider target audience, budget, art form and venue.

Unit 3 :  Performing to a commission 

This unit offers you the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a performance in response to a commission that will be set by Edexcel.  You will apply your knowledge by working as a performer, designer or member of a production team.  You may use dance, drama, music, music technology, musical theatre.  Work may be original or adapted from existing material.  A visiting moderator will assess this unit in live performance.  Group size 3-12.  Time limit 30-60 minutes.  The performance will be assessed internally and moderated by an external moderator.

A2 units

Unit 4 : Employment oppurtunities in the performing arts*

In this unit you will be required to explore the variety of employment opportunities in the performing arts industry.  You will learn about qualifications, training, experience needed for particular jobs as well as employment terms and conditions.  You will relate your findings to your own skills base.

Unit 5 : Advanced performance practice

In this unit you can choose to specialise in a specific performance role and you will be involved in a performance event.

OR

Unit 6 : Advanced production practice

This unit is comparable to Unit 5 but caters for those students who wish to specialise in a specific production role.  Eg. Lighting,, sound, music technology, set design, costume design, stage management and arts administration. 

Unit 7 : Production delivery

This unit provides the opportunity to develop, rehearse and deliver a complete performance.   The performance you create will be in response to a production brief set by Edexcel.  The performance will be assessed internally and moderated by an external moderator.

Units marked * are externally assessed whilst the others are assessed through portfolio evidence.

Most performing arts practice involves working with others, often under direction.  Students will need to maintain helpful working relationships and good work habits of attendance, punctuality, reliability, discipline and organisation.  Written work is an important part of the assessment.

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