Performing Arts Course Leaflet 17-18

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Destination: Performing Arts at Edge Hill University

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2017 . 2018

Studied: L3 Foundation Diploma/Extende Diploma in Performing Arts, A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

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School: North Halifax Grammar School

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Rhiannon Thomas

New Hey Road, Huddersfield HD3 4GL

If you need the information in this leaflet presented in a different way please contact Erika Montgomery on 01484 652341 or info@huddnewcoll.ac.uk

an actress and a person.” have helped me grow both as career and experiences that take forward into my future “HNC has given me skills I can

Details of all BTEC courses are accurate at time of print. However, some of these courses at Level 3 may be subject to change prior to August 2017 in terms of course title, content and assessment methodology. These changes will be communicated via our website once they have been finalised by the awarding bodies.

Performing arts AT HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE The Performing Arts department has a team of experienced teachers and performers, as well as the benefit of two purpose built theatres that seat 200!

“The tutors are always there

The performance spaces are used as classrooms for students on both A Level and BTEC courses, giving our students the chance to become acquainted with the spaces ahead of their practical performances.

to explain things you don’t understand and have discussions about the subject matter. They are extremely passionate about what they teach.”

Both theatres are used by all students in Performing Arts - from the Drama students performing shows such as Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys’, to the Dance students organising their end of year showcase. Dance students also have their own dance studio space situated in the Performing Arts building.

For the students who study Music, we offer two fully equipped classrooms and a soundproof recording studio to enable you to capture professional quality recordings. Student bands are regularly asked to perform at cross college events such as Open Events, plus a range of public performances both in college and at local venues and community events.

Samuel baseford

As a Performing Arts student, you’ll have seven courses to choose from, so you’re bound to find a course that’s right for you.

MEET THE TEAM • • • • • •

All students will be given plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills in front of an audience, from charity events to end of year showcases.

ABOUT the subject This is a two year Linear A Level course which will develop and extend your understanding of drama techniques, approaches and influences.

Component 1: Theatre Workshop 20% of the qualification - practical and written coursework, internally assessed, externally moderated.

You can offer acting or design.

You will participate in the creation, development and performance of theatre. This will be reinterpretation of an extract from a set text. Your piece of theatre will use the techniques and methods of an influential theatre practitioner or recognised theatre company.

Component 2: Text In Action 40% of the qualification - externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

Again, you will offer either acting or design. You will participate in the creation, development and performance of two pieces. These will be based on a stimulus provided by the exam board. One piece will be devised work, using the techniques and methods of an influential theatre practitioner or recognised theatre company (different from Component 1). The second piece will be an

extract from a text in a contrasting style. Performance work and written coursework reports are shown to the visiting examiner.

Component 3: Text In Performance 40% of the qualification - written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes.

This written exam has three sections.

In Section A and B you will answer questions on TWO different play texts, one written pre-1956, one post-1956.

In Section C you answer questions on an unseen script extract on areas such as characterization, staging and interpretation.

Overall, this course will broaden your understanding of many dramatic areas, develop your acting and performing skills, as well as give you insight into everything required to create impactful and dynamic theatre for an audience.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Studied: L3 Certificate/Extended Certificate in Music Performance and Music Technology, A Level English Language

Paul Sanders Mark Johnson Cat John Jo Love Paul Hewitt Maurice McCreesh

drama and theatre studies linear a level

course content

School: Colne Valley High School

Destination: Music Technology at the University of Huddersfield

btec level 3 subsidiary diploma in performing arts (music performance) ABOUT the subject The BTEC in Music involves practical modern music making, developing skills in playing in bands and working as a solo artist.

As well as lectures and practical activities in class, subsidised 1-1 lessons with instrumental specialists will help to develop musical skills.

It is suitable for aspiring guitarists, rappers, singers, keyboard players, drummers, bassists, brass and woodwind players – anyone interested in working as a performer in the music industry.

The course develops your performance skills, both as a soloist and in bands.

You will also explore song writing to a given brief, and cover the development of popular music styles from the 1950s up to the present. You will also gain experience in setting up equipment for live sound and organising gigs.

Reading music is not a necessity, although in the first year you will learn music theory from a practical angle.

Assessment is 100% coursework - so no examinations.

course content Unit 23: Music Performance Techniques Learners will develop effective instrumental or vocal technique in both group and solo contexts, constructing a structured practice routine, evidenced through a written log or video diary.

As well as the log/diary, assessment consists of 3 group performances and 2 solo pieces.

Unit 4: Aural Perception skills Learners will develop the skills needed to analyse a piece of music, recognising the different elements involved and the different textures created by a variety of types of instrumentation, listening to many different kinds of music during the study of this unit. This runs alongside the songwriting and historical elements of Unit 30.

Unit 30: Pop Music in Practice Using the Rhythm and Blues of the 1950s as a starting point for virtually all modern music, lesson content covers how this developed into a wide range of genres. Practical assessment involves learning songs from 4 decades since the 1950s and then creating original songs in these styles. For the culmination of this, learners will also be asked to create an extended written piece on the history of popular music for a music magazine.

In the second year you will develop further skills in contemporary music performance and will be assessed on a further 3 units. The selection of the units will be decided by staff to reflect the skills and interests of the learning group, but include Developing as a Band, and organising and performing at gigs.

ASSessment Assessment is through performances, teacher observation of practical tasks, and written work (practice diary, history and development).

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Relevant experience will be required.

ABOUT the subject Music is a course which has a balance of practical work, composition and analysis of musical scores. The course is designed to develop the skills of players who are at around a grade 5 level in performance or who have a good pass at GCSE (grade A to C).

Grade 5 Theory is not an essential requirement, but is very useful, and any students without it will be expected to attend theory support sessions.

Players of any instrument or voice are free to perform and compose in any style from Baroque to Rock.

This is a 2 year A Level course, with exams at the end of year 2.

ASSessment 60% Coursework (Performing and Composing) 40% Final Exam (Appraising)

music linear a level course content Component 1: Performing 35% of the qualification – this is coursework which is externally assessed.

You will prepare and perform an 10 minute recital on your choice of instrument/voice. College subsidise these lessons, with all students able to claim funding of up to £300 per year.

Component 2: Composing 25% of the qualification – this is also coursework which is externally assessed.

You are to compose 2 pieces of music, with a combined time of 6 minutes.

This could be song-writing or instrumental music, in a range of styles, classical or popular.

The exam consists of listening tests on unfamiliar music and analysis essays on set works. You will study a wide range of set works, covering artists and composers such as Haydn, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Debussy.

Students are encouraged to explore and broaden their own musical experiences in performance through concert visits. There are also extra curricular activities such as Elite Singers and Showband for musical theatre productions.

The department organises visits to gigs at a variety of venues, as well as compositions workshops and performance masterclasses with the University of Huddersfield. We also offer a bi-annual residential trip to London.

Component 3: Appraising 40% of the qualification – this is a 2 hour exam at the end of the second year.

specific entry criteria

btec level 3 extended certificate/diploma in performing arts ABOUT the subject A BTEC Level 3 course is practical and work-related. This means you learn from doing practical/hands on assignments and projects, which are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands, so you develop the vocational skills suited to the subject area. Most students take this course because they plan to continue studying performing arts in higher education.

The course is taught by teachers with strong vocational experience and involves working with visiting professional artists. You should see the course as a stepping-stone to higher level work in a related vocation.

ASSessment Assessments on this course are based on both practical and written course work. Assignment briefs are issued which tell you what you need to do to complete the work and these have a deadline date on them. An ability to meet deadlines is crucial on this course as your grades will be affected by handing in work late.

You will receive feedback on your work opportunities to develop your grades further. Overall unit grades are then collated to achieve 3 overall grades at the end of the course. These are then converted to UCAS points for entry to higher education.

Grade 4 in English Language plus grade C in GCSE Music and/or grade 5 Music Theory and Practical.

BTEC LEVEL 3 subsidiary diploma IN PERFORMING ARTS (MUSICAL THEATRE) ABOUT the subject This course is suitable for students who have a keen interest in the performing arts and who are considering studying a related subject at degree level. The course focuses on the skills needed for musical theatre performance: jazz dance, acting skills and singing skills, and these will be explored both practically and theoretically. You will also study musical theatre across the ages, developing skills to discuss and analyse existing works and how they relate to history and society.

The course also includes theatre trips and musical theatre professional workshops.

ASSessment The course is made up of a minimum of 6 units. Assessment is through ongoing assignment-based work and can vary from written tasks to practical demonstration of skills.

In addition to these units, learners will be expected to attend a further ballet and singing class once a week.

specific entry criteria

course content

Performing to an Audience (Mandatory) This unit brings together all the skills and knowledge developed over the course and works with all three art forms to create a performance suitable for public performance. This will enable learners to work as an ensemble to produce a musical theatre performance from existing repertoire.

Musical Theatre Performance You will explore how to use performance skills from all three areas in practical based assessments. You will perform in 3 assessments ranging from group pieces to solo singing, acting and dancing routines.

In the second year you will study the following units:

The first year of the course comprises of the following units:

Year 2

Year 1

Developing Movement Skills This unit looks into the skills required to use the body as an expressive instrument. You will explore the basic movement components and have the opportunity to use these in a creative context and manner. On completion of the unit you should be competent and confident with using your body as an expressive instrument. This unit is especially relevant for actors and dancers who want to pursue a career in the performing arts industry and go on to further training.

Singing for Actors and Dancers In this unit you will learn fundamental singing techniques and be able to perform in both ensemble and solo situations with skill and confidence.

Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Relevant experience will be required.

Tap Dance Tap dance technique is essential for anyone intending to work in musical theatre performance, or wishing to progress to higher qualification levels within dance. The choreographers of many London West End shows and cruise ship entertainments work with tap dance and often require dancers to audition in this style to show their versatility and expertise.

Singing Techniques and Performance This unit looks in detail at the technical skill required for singing in performance, and explores characterisation and the ability to read music notation from vocal scores, a skill that is necessary in the professional world. You will perform a programme of solo numbers to an audience.

course content A BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate/ Diploma is a very well established qualification that is equivalent to 2 A Levels. At the end of the course you are awarded 2 grades made up of a combination of pass, merit, distinction or distinction* for your 2 years’ work.

Learners will select specialist options as part of their course in drama, musical theatre, dance, music technology or music (depending on previous experience). Your final grades are based on the marks from the eighteen units studied. Each unit is assessed against a set of criteria where you will demonstrate your skills and abilities in many different projects.

The course explores the fundamental skills required to develop performance in all disciplines. You will also explore the historical background of the arts, how the performing arts business and industry works and learn research skills to put theory into practice.

There are 12 units, which are studied by all learners and form the basis of study from which the specialist pathways build upon.

These units include: Historical Context of Performing Arts, Performance Workshop, Performing Arts Business, Rehearsing for Performance, Performing to an Audience, Principals of Acting, Physical Theatre, Devising Plays and Contemporary Theatre Performance.

The remaining units on the course allow you to explore a specialist area of the performing arts from dance, musical theatre, popular music, music technology or drama.

This course is ideally suited to learners who want a hands-on approach to their studies and who are able to be flexible and take on opportunities presented to them and are good at organising their own work load.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Relevant experience will be required.

BTEC LEVEL 3 subsidiary diploma IN performing arts (music technology) ABOUT the subject This is a two-year course leading to a Subsidiary Diploma, which is equivalent to one A level. You will enjoy this course if you have a keen interest in recording/ sequencing. It is a vocationally relevant course. That will suit anyone who is considering a career in the music technology industry and would like to improve their prospects of progression by gaining skills relevant to the industry.

It consists of six units over two years.

ASSessment Assessment is 100% coursework, so there are no examinations.

The course is made up of 6 units.

3 units should be completed in year 1 and 3 in year 2. Each unit will be internally assessed by your teacher, and will be awarded a grade (pass merit or distinction) and also a number of points. This points score is cumulative and will ultimately determine your final grade. You will be expected to take an active responsibility for planning, organising and completing your work on time.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Relevant experience will be required.

course content Year 1

Year 2

In the first year you will study the following 3 modules: Music Production Techniques (mandatory) This covers all aspects of working in the recording studio, from audio capture (recording of a band of your choosing) to mixdown, culminating in production of an audio CD. Sequencing Systems and Techniques Here you will set up a computer system as a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) using relevant hardware/software, as well as create original computer based music using this system, working with Cubase 5 Music Production software.

Sound Creation & Manipulation You will learn the relationship between acoustic theory and a range of synthesis techniques, use the editing functions of a sampler, and be able to realise musical ideas that combine synthesis and sampling technique.

Music Theory You will also have an additional hour covering music theory where you will be working toward a nationally recognised qualification with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM).

Music Technology in Performance Here you will study the context/ development of music technology in performance, as well as creating your own electro-acoustic computergenerated composition, culminating in a live performance along with related art forms from other media (film or dance).

Music and Sound for Moving Image Building on your sequencing/recording skills from year 1, you will create original music for a short film clip. In addition you will create the non-musical aspects for the movie (foley), uploading the finished piece in a suitable format.

You will also deliver a presentation on a director/composer of your choice, illustrating this with musical examples.

Delivering a Musical Product This is a major element of the second year and is used to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have developed over the duration of the course. You will work as part of a team adopting the role of engineer/producer, creating a CD of contrasting material these can be original compositions or cover versions, derived from any style of performance – live musicians, MIDI sequences, sample based material, or any combination of the above.

btec level 3 Subsidiary diploma in performing arts (dance) ABOUT the subject The focus of your dance study will be contemporary dance technique and choreographic development.

Throughout the course, you will perform to a live audience, and develop your own personal choreographic journal and an ongoing dance portfolio. The emphasis is on practical work, personal development and the understanding of dance.

ASSessment The course is made up of a minimum of 6 units. Assessment is through ongoing assignment-based work and can vary from written tasks to practical demonstration of skills.

course content

Performing to an Audience (Mandatory) This unit brings together all the skills and knowledge developed over the course. You will present rehearsed ensemble work to a live audience as part of a dance showcase in an end of year celebration.

Dance Performance (Mandatory) In this unit you are required to perform in different dance choreographies both in a group and in a duo/trio.

In the second year you will study the following units:

The first year of the course comprises of the following units:

Year 2

Year 1

Choreographing Dance By the end of this unit you will be able to produce choreography for different kinds of dance styles and for different purposes.

Jazz Dance This area of the course explores jazz dance techniques. In this unit you will explore commerical, traditional and musical theatre jazz.

In addition to these units learners will be expected to attend a further ballet technique class once a week.

Choreographic Principles This unit will develop your knowledge of the process of choreography. This will be achieved through a series of practical tasks, which will enable you to explore movement design and create dance for performance.

Applying Contemporary Dance Technique This unit continues to develop skills gained in the first year dance technique unit. You will learn longer phrases of technical dance routines and perform these for assessment. You will study contemporary dance techniques from practitioners such as Graham and Cunningham and be able to apply these techniques in a practical manner.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Relevant experience will be required.