Performing Arts Courses

Dance A Level Drama and Theatre Studies A Level Music A Level Music Practitioner RSL Level 3 Creative and Performing Arts RSL Level 3

Performing Arts Courses

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Subject Descriptions

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www.worthing.ac.uk

Dance A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2018.

For how long will I study and are there subsidiary qualifications?

For two years. (There are some circumstances in which the one year AS course will be available) What is this course about?

The course is a highly enjoyable, creative exploration of a variety of genres of dance.

It develops students’ skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of dance styles, and practitioners.

Through the development of technical, expressive and choreographic skills students are able to develop their skills as both performers and choreographers.

It also develops students’ resilience and confidence. Students will be able to learn and develop within the high spec dance studio, as well as having numerous opportunities to watch live productions and participate in workshops with professional companies and choreographers.

What topics will I study?

Component 1: Performance and choreography. Practical exam. 50% of A Level Solo performance linked to specific practitioner within an area of study.

Performance in a quartet (in any style, relevant to the defined genres set by the exam board).

Component 2: Critical engagement. Written exam of 2.5 hours. 50% of A Level.

Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of one compulsory and one optional set dance work and the connections of these set works with their corresponding areas of dance.

How will my work be assessed?

Course assessment consists of practical and written examinations.

The course will be assessed partly by the performance of dance pieces which will be externally assessed by a visiting examiner. You will also be assessed by written examination, also marked externally.

What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to succeed?

A willingness to develop an independent approach to taking direction and developing both practical and academic skills is highly beneficial. If you love dance and performing and are able to commit

your time, energy and creativity to your work, you will have a wonderful time on this course.

range of tasks in an Independent Study Pack.

1:1 support is available to all students.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C.

What do students say about this course?

“A fun and energetic course”

Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

“Gives you the opportunity not only to develop your own skills, but also teaches you to appreciate the styles, genres and techniques used by expert practitioners”.

What have I got to do to do well on the course?

You need to be really enthusiastic about Dance: we would encourage you to watch it, participate in it, talk about it and write about it as much as you can. You can find links to some fantastic pieces on our blog (see further information at the end of this document).

Teamwork is an essential element of the course. Students need to be very reliable when it comes to both attendance and punctuality, they need to like working creatively in teams and enjoy sharing and experimenting with ideas.

“Trips and visits widen your experience and understanding”.

What are the lessons like?

A wide range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. Formal lessons are combined with discussion, group work, taskbased learning and research activities. It is expected that you will work independently outside of lesson time, rehearsing and completing a

Is there a similar qualification to this one?

RSL Creative and Performing Arts Qualification.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Dance develops personal and presentation skills in a unique way which makes it an excellent subject to combine with a whole range of A levels.

What do people do with A level Dance?

Students could take a degree in Dance, Physical Theatre or Choreography, and can go on to study higher education courses at either dance schools or university.

Employment can be directly related to the skills developed in the course, leading to work as a performer, as a

choreographer or in the wider creative industries.

However, the confidence, creative thinking and presentation skills students develop through A Level Dance will also serve you well in a variety of other careers, for example: Arts Administration, Dance Therapy, Teaching/Workshop Co-ordination, Journalism, Business, Advertising & Marketing, Law, Marketing & Public Relations, Hospitality, Events Management, Sales, Physiotherapist, Personal Trainer, Dance Theatre Critic.

Are there any additional costs?

There is a studio fee payable at enrolment for all Performing Arts courses. The charge is ÂŁ35 per course, which covers all visiting companies, materials and workshops. All external trips are charged per show.

Drama and Theatre Studies A Level

When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2018.

You also attend at least three performances, both local and London based.

For how long will I study and are there subsidiary qualifications?

For two years.

In the second year, you study your second set play, ‘The Tempest’ by William Shakespeare. You also perform in both a scripted group piece and either a monologue or a duologue.

What is this course about?

This exciting and varied course will require students to: • Explore plays through both practical and written responses.

• Work on specific roles in contrasting plays and be assessed on their performances.

• Work in a group to produce an original piece of devised theatre.

• Examine how some plays were originally performed.

We are always keen for you to learn theory through practice so your written work is relevant and informed. Our aim is to develop you as both an individual and team player throughout the course – skills which are valuable to a range of career paths.

What topics will I study?

In the first year, you study one set play ‘That Face’ by Polly Stenham and devise a piece of original drama in a group after studying the physical theatre practitioner, Kneehigh Theatre Company.

In the second year, you will also attend at least three performances, one of which you review for your written exam.

How will my work be assessed?

Course assessment consists of both practical and written examinations.

40% of the final grade is based on the Devising Project, 20% is based on the Scripted Performances and 40% on the written exam.

What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to succeed?

It is not necessary to have studied Drama at school. The priority is to have a willingness to develop an independent approach to taking direction and developing both practical and academic skills. If you love drama and theatre and are able to commit your time, energy and creativity to your work, you will have a wonderful time on this course!

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

The ability to work independently, particularly in rehearsals. Good essay writing and research skills are also required for coursework and exam elements.

based learning and research activities. It is expected that you will work independently outside, completing a range of tasks and activities in an Independent Study Pack.

1:1 support is available to all students.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C.

What do students say about this course? ‘The course introduced me to new techniques, interesting, challenging plays and we were taught by people who had worked in the industry, I loved my first year.� Isabel King

Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

What have I got to do to do well?

You need to be really enthusiastic about acting and theatre: we would encourage you to watch it, participate in it, talk about it and write about it as much as you can. You can find links to some fantastic pieces on our blog (see further information at the end of this document).

Teamwork is an essential element of the course. Students need to be very reliable when it comes to both attendance and punctuality, they need to like working creatively in teams and enjoy sharing and experimenting with ideas.

What are the lessons like?

A wide range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. Formal lessons are combined with discussion, group work, task-

Is there a similar qualification to this one?

The Academy of Performing Arts also runs A Level courses in Dance and Music alongside our vocational courses in Performing Arts and RSL Music Practitioner. The Creative and Performing Arts RSL is the equivalent of tree A Levels over two years.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

A Levels in Music and Dance are related as is the RSL Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts. Any of these make a good combination.

On the other hand you could include Drama and Theatre studies A-Level as a complete contrast to your other subjects to demonstrate your range of skills and interests.

What do people do with A Level Drama?

Students could take a degree in Drama, Theatre Studies or Performing Arts, and can go on to study either at drama school or university.

Employment can be directly related to the skills developed in the course, leading to work as a performer, in theatre management or the broad range of production roles.

However, the confidence, creative thinking and presentation skills students develop through A Level Drama will also serve you well in a variety of other careers, for example: Arts Administration, Drama Therapy, Teaching/Public Relations, Hospitality, Events Management.

Are there any additional costs?

There is a studio fee payable at enrolment for all Performing Arts courses. The charge is ÂŁ35 per course, which covers all visiting companies, materials and workshops. All external trips are charged per show.

Music A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2018.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about & which topics will I study?

The A Level Music course focuses on three main skills: • Performance – students will be supported to enhance their performance skills, to enhance their technical control and to rehearse and refine performances on their chosen instrument or voice.

• Composition – students will develop the technical and expressive skills needed by a composer when creating music.

• Appraisal - students will develop their listening and appraising skills through the study of musical set texts across a variety of styles and genres.

Students will work on each of these skills in both years of the course.

How will my work be assessed?

Component 1: Performing Students will perform at least one piece for a duration of at least 8 minutes. It will be assessed by an external examiner and can be a solo or ensemble performance. This will be worth 30% of the total mark.

Component 2: Composing Students will create two compositions lasting a total of at least 6 minutes, one of which is in response to a set brief. This will be worth 30% of the total mark.

Component 3: Appraisal A two hour exam worth 40% of the total mark. This will cover 6 areas of study, each with 3 set works plus wider listening relevant to the era or genre.

The areas of study are: vocal music, instrumental music, music for film, popular music and jazz, fusions, new directions.

Students will be assessed against the AS qualification in this course at the end of the first year as a measure of progress.

Are students expected to have instrument/voice lessons outside of the course?

Yes. The College will subsidise students taking instrument lessons with a termly subsidy of £50 to be applied for retrospectively at the end of each term.

What performance work can I do through the College?

The College has a wide selection of ensemble groups, a band and choir which performs at a range of events throughout the College year, including Autumn and Spring Concerts. All

Music students are encouraged to participate in these events which are as much a part of the course as their programme of study as well as a variety of opportunities within the Performing Arts Academy as a whole.

your theoretical, composition and performance skills and be willing to explore your skills within the context of the syllabus. You will also be expected to continuing to develop and prioritise your English and Maths skills.

What are the lessons like?

A wide range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course. Lessons include: discussion, group work, task-based learning and research activities.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

The college also teaches the RSL Music Practitioner course. This is equivalent to one and half A Levels but is assessed through coursework rather than an exam. It is a more practical course intended for students who are more interested in performance than musical theory and the contemporary music industry only.

What do students say about this course? “I loved developing different areas of my musical understanding including composition, music analysis, and performance skills. The facilities that the Performing Arts department offer are modern and very well equipped with iMacs in the classroom with all the software you need, and practice rooms always available to use. There are endless performing opportunities in a variety of extra-curricular events such as being part of the live band for the Musical Theatre performances, Christmas Concerts at St Mary’s, the Autumn Concert and Summer Celebration.�

What have I got to do to do well?

You need to be capable of working independently as well as part of a group/team. Above all, you must be willing to practise regularly and balance study for performance, composition and appraising. You must respond well to feedback and encouragement to develop

What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to succeed?

You obviously need musical skills (see entry requirements below). Due to group based work and individual study elements within the course, you must be capable of unsupervised work and display a high level of maturity.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You must be willing to commit to group work and have the desire to grow as a performer and be prepared to perform in public.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C. Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

The Academy of Performing Arts also offer A’ Levels in Drama & Theatre, Music and Dance which require some of the same skills but cover other specialisms within the courses.

A’Level qualifications do include formal written exams in their assessment. The RSL Music Practitioner is assessed entirely through coursework.

Students who wish to undertake a full programme of study which focuses solely on the Performing Arts, can do so at Worthing College, benefiting from a mixed programme of both RSL and A’ Level qualifications.

What do people do with A level Music?

Music is recognised as an academic subject and therefore provides a suitable foundation for the study of Music or related courses in higher education. It also develops personal and communication skills in a unique way which is recognised by many employers.

Are there any additional costs?

There is a studio fee payable at enrolment for all Performing Arts courses. The charge is £35 per course, which covers all visiting companies, materials and workshops. All external trips are charged per show.

Creative and Performing Arts

RSL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma

When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2017.

For how long will I study?

For 1 year if you study the Diploma (equivalent of 1.5 A Levels) or for 2 years on the Extended Diploma (equivalent of 3 A levels).

The Diploma can be studied over two years, by arrangement. For example, when a student is interested in taking two other A Levels alongside the course.

What is this course about?

This course gives learners the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and wider understanding for entry into the creative and performing arts industries. The course combines movement/dance, singing, music and drama. Students can and are encouraged to study this course alongside the Academy of Performing Arts enrichment classes held at lunchtimes in music, drama and dance. There are also many opportunities to get involved in the production side of performances throughout the year.

What topics will I study?

There are two compulsory units in the first year: • Performance Preparation • Planning for a Career in the Creative and Performing Arts You will also study a range of units chosen to support performance focused projects such as: • Musical Theatre Performance • Vocal Techniques • Choreography • Dance Techniques & Performance • Ensemble Music Performance How will my work be assessed?

One of the core units is an externallyassessed project-based timed assessment under controlled conditions. All other units are assessed as coursework; there are no exams, and you will receive feedback about your progress throughout the course. Evidence for assessment will be generated through a range of activities including your own performing arts blog that records all written work and can also include oral assessment, presentations, and assessment of practical competency and level of performance.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C. Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to succeed?

It is not necessary to have taken a Performing Arts subject at school. A willingness to develop an independent approach to taking direction and developing both practical and academic skills is most beneficial. If you love theatrical performance and are willing to work at all three skills committing your time, energy and creativity to your work, you will have a wonderful time on this course.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

Teamwork is an essential element of the course. Students need to be very reliable when it comes to both attendance and punctuality, they need to like working creatively in teams and enjoy sharing and experimenting with ideas.

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course and a large proportion of the course is taught through practical performance activities.

Formal lessons are combined with discussion, case studies, task- based learning, practical activities, studentled activities, video and ILT. Teaching resources and course material are available on the Academy of Performing Arts Blog, this material is very important as the course is the equivalent to two A Levels but with no exams; the workload is demanding and coursework requirements are intense at times.

Individual support is available to all students via both our vigilant team of well qualified teaching staff and our two dedicated Performing Arts Learning Mentors.

What do students say about this course?

“There are many opportunities to learn new styles of acting, singing and dancing. It’s also a lot of fun.” Ben Williams “The course is really fun and the shows are a great experience my confidence has grown as a performer.” Melissa Diprose “I absolutely loved the course, I appeared in four productions each year, a mixture of musicals, contemporary plays and extracurricular projects with the National Theatre. It is hard to beat the chances to perform that Worthing College offer” Luke Scattergood

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

The Academy of Performing Arts also run A Level courses in Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies, and Music, alongside our vocational courses in RSL Music Practitioner. The RSL course in Creative and Performing Arts is the equivalent of three A Levels over 2 years, and can be combined with A Level Drama & Theatre Studies, Music or Dance to create a full-time arts course.

Can I study qualifications outside of the Performing Arts alongside a Performing Arts Course?

Yes. Many combinations of contrasting subjects are possible creating breadth and balance to your whole programme of study at the college.

Our students often study Visual Arts and Media, English, Social Sciences, Sport and Law. However the skills that you gain working in the Arts can be highly valuable as part of a programme of study What do people do with RSL Level 3 Creative and Performing Arts?

Students could take a degree in Performing Arts, Drama or Theatre Studies, and can go on to study either at drama school or university.

Employment can be directly related to the skills developed in the course, leading to work as a performer, in theatre management or the broad range of production roles.

However, the confidence, creative thinking and presentation skills students develop through RSL Creative and Performing Arts will also serve you well in a variety of other careers, for example: Arts Administration, Drama Therapy, Teaching/Workshop Co-ordination, Journalism, Advertising & Marketing, Business, Law, Marketing & Public Relations, Hospitality, Event Management and Sales.

Are there any additional costs?

There is a studio fee payable at enrolment for all Performing Arts courses. The charge is ÂŁ35 per course, which covers all visiting companies, materials and workshops. All external trips are charged per show.

Music Practitioner

RSL Level 3 Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2018.

For how long will I study?

One year for the Extended Certificate, two years for the Subsidiary Diploma.

What is this course about?

Equipping learners with the professional skills to develop realistic employment opportunities in the music industry and / or to progress to higher education. Learners will develop skills in: • Rehearsing and performing effectively on their instrument / voice.

• Developing musicianship skills and repertoire.

• Exploring contextual issues relating to music style, audience and the music industry.

• Understanding and using music technology.

What topics will I study?

The qualification is built upon a system of units through which learners accumulate credits. The core units include improving instrumental performance, planning for a career in the music industry. Appropriate additional units will be chosen,

relevant to the needs and interests of the learners to reach the required level of credits. These additional units can be chosen from the pathways of Performance, Technology, Composition and Business.

How will my work be assessed?

There is a mix of internal and external assessment. Unit grades are added together to give your final results: Pass, Merit or Distinction. Exceptional students are awarded Distinction*.

Evidence for assessment may be generated through a range of activities including performance, written assignment, oral assessment, presentations, and assessment of practical competency.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C. You will need to have an existing instrument or vocal skills grade 3-4 or equivalent.

Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

You must have good time management and independent study skills to be ready to meet the deadline demands of the course. You must have a keen interest in a wide range of Performing Arts and have a good range of performance skills.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will need to self- assess your own work and with your teachers’ help maximise your grades.

Show good time management so assignments are completed on time and in line with your target grade.

This includes being able to balance college, social and paid working commitments.

Creativity and innovation are also skills students will be expected to develop as students will be tasked to create new performances and work.

A willingness to get involved in the extra-curricular life of the Performing Arts academy.

Performing Arts which require some of the same skills but cover other specialisms within the courses.

A Level qualifications do include formal written exams in their assessment.

Can I study qualifications outside of the Performing Arts alongside a Performing Arts course?

Yes. Many combinations of contrasting subjects are possible creating breadth and balance to your whole programme of study at the college.

Our students often study Visual Arts & Media, English, Social Sciences, Sport or Law. However, skills that you gain working in Music Performance can be highly valuable as part of a programme of study.

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course and a large proportion of the course is taught through practical performance activities.

You will also be expected to continue to develop and prioritise your English and Maths skills.

Formal lessons are combined with discussion, case studies, task- based learning, practical activities, studentled activities, video and ILT. Teaching resources and course material are available on the Academy of Performing Arts blog.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

The Academy of Performing Arts also offer A Levels in Drama, Music and Dance and an RSL Diploma in

What do people do with RSL Music Practitioner qualification?

This qualification adds value to a wide range of progression opportunities in both higher education or employment in music performance or broader

performing arts where combined with other courses offered through the Academy of Performing Arts in the College.

Are there any additional costs?

There is a studio fee payable at enrolment for all Performing Arts courses. The charge is ÂŁ35 per course, which covers all visiting companies, materials and workshops. All external trips are charged per show.

Find out more: worthingpateam.blogspot.co.uk @WorthingPerformingArts Sea Light Theatre Worthing College @wapaWorthing Worthing Academy of Performing Arts VLOG Rachel Maddix - Worthing Performing Arts Team Manager r.maddix@worthing.ac.uk Kim Sheldon Performing Arts Coordinator/Musical Theater Teacher.

k.sheldon@worthing.ac.uk Kat Davies - Dance Teacher k.davies@worthing.ac.uk Elizabeth Newington - Teacher of Music e.newington@worthing.ac.uk

To inspire, build confidence and prepare you for the life you want to live

01903 275 755 1 Sanditon Way Worthing BN14 9FD @WorthingCollegeOfficial @WorthingCollege

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All info correct at date of issue. Please check www.worthing.ac.uk for updates.

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