Q: What will my college week look like?
Every subject at Bilborough Sixth Form College is taught over three, one and half hour sessions a week. The Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is equivalent to one A-Level, therefore, you will be timetabled for three, one and half hour sessions a week. This will amount to four and a half hours of contact time a week with your teachers.
Q: What about homework?
At Bilborough the expectation is that students undertake about 4 and a half hours independent study each week in addition to their timetabled lessons. In Performing Arts this may be rehearsals, research, written homework or group work.
Q: What do I need to wear?
For all practical lessons you are required to wear kit that allows you to move freely, for example a leotard, unitard, dance tights or tracksuit bottoms, and a plain T-Shirt or vest. You will be given the option to buy an exclusive personalised Bilborough Sixth Form T-Shirt. No earrings, bangles, bracelets or rings, and hair must be tied back and out of the face. You will be expected to wear bare-feet or soft-soled trainers, depending on the activity.
Q: How much written work is there?
The amount of written work that you are required to do, depends on the unit that you are taking. Examples of the types of written work are producing powerpoint presentations, reports, log books, research, grid style note-taking and written paragraphs. All units, with the exception of unit one, have a practical element, which will contribute to your final grade, but all will require some level of writing to support the practical work that you produce.
Q: What styles will we study?
Throughout the full programme you will explore a wide range of acting styles, such as Physical and Total Theatre, as well as Dance/Dance Theatre, and link to practitioners such as Akram Khan, DV8, Matthew Bourne and Gecko Theatre. The styles that you work in will be dependent on the unit that you are studying for example, in the unit ‘Variety Performance’ we have taught students how to hula hoop, and in the unit ‘Developing Skills’ we have taught musical theatre.
Q: I am new to the performing arts, can I still take this course?
The BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is perfect for any students that have a lot or a little experience in the performing arts. You will all be taught a wide range of styles and theories from their origins and it gives students an overall proficiency in all aspects of the performing arts. You will develop your skills and knowledge no matter what your starting point!
Q: What can I do after I have finished the course?
Some students go on to study a performing arts degree or at a conservatoire. Others progress directly into the professional world of performing arts and theatre, and work in the West End, Cruise Ships, National and International Tours or create their own work.
We hope that the Course video, FAQs and Subject Live chat have answered all your questions about the course. If you do have any other generic questions, please contact the course leader [email protected]
Please note that queries about your individual progression onto the course should be directed to [email protected]
