Free BTEC Level 3 Performance Course in Bristol. Classes run at Cotham School, full-time over two years. You'll need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including a grade 4 in English Language and Maths, plus a grade 4 GCSE or Merit in Drama, or a record of involvement in performances. The course covers creating and performing theatre, exploring different styles and conventions, physical theatre, storytelling, and group devising. You'll work collaboratively to develop and refine original performances, contributing to creative decisions and applying both performance and teamwork skills. Assessment combines internal coursework and an external exam.
Who this course is for
For details see: https://www.nbp16c.org.uk/Courses/Performance-Arts-BTEC/
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs grades 9-4 (or equivalent) including a 4 in English Language and Mathematics. GCSE (4) or BTEC (M) in drama / record of involvement in performances
What you will learn
You'll explore a range of theatre styles and the approaches of different theatre practitioners.
You'll create original and unique pieces of theatre in response to a given stimulus.
You'll develop physical and vocal skills and techniques for performance.
You'll work as part of a group to rehearse, shape, and refine performances.
You'll study physical theatre and how the body is used to convey meaning to an audience.
You'll explore storytelling techniques and adapt existing stories for performance.
You'll contribute to creative decisions about the direction and nature of group performances.
How you will learn
Learning takes place through teacher-led activities, individual and group work, presentations, discussions, role-play, and practical performance work. Assessment is a mixture of internal coursework and an external exam. Internal units are assessed through practical and written coursework produced throughout the course. The external exam tests your knowledge of theatre styles and performance analysis.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cotham School will confirm anything else you need before you start. A bursary scheme is available to help with costs such as transport, books, equipment, and other course-related expenses.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Actor. Perform in theatre, film, television, or radio productions.
Theatre stage manager. Coordinate rehearsals and manage live productions.
Drama workshop facilitator. Lead performance workshops in schools or community settings.
Performer or dancer. Work in live events, touring productions, or arts companies.
Theatre technician. Support productions with lighting, sound, or set design.
Community arts worker. Deliver arts projects for charities or local organisations.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Drama, Theatre, or Performing Arts. A degree at a conservatoire or university builds on your BTEC and opens routes into professional performance and arts management.
Level 4 HNC in Performing Arts. A shorter higher-education option if you want to specialise further without committing to a full degree.
PGCE or teacher training. If you want to teach drama, a degree followed by teacher training is the route into secondary schools.
