Specification/Exam Board

Specification/Exam Board

Pearson - BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Performing Arts. Students can choose from acting, musical theatre, dance and production when completing each component.

  • Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts
    Students will study a range of professional performance works to understand how practitioners create performance, exploring different styles, genres, and roles within the industry.
  • Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts
    Students will develop and refine their performance skills and techniques through practical workshops, rehearsals, and performances in their chosen specialism.
  • Component 3: Responding to a Brief
    Students will work as part of a group to create and perform an original piece of work in response to a set brief, showcasing their ability to apply skills, creativity, and understanding under exam conditions.

    • Curriculum Allocation

    Drama is taught in three 100 minute lessons per fortnight.

    Curriculum Periods 1 and 2

    Curriculum Content

    During this curriculum period, students will be working towards the completion of Component 1 coursework, which they began at the end of Year 10. This substantial written assignment forms a significant part of the qualification, accounting for 30% of the overall BTEC award.

    As part of their studies, students are required to watch and critically analyse at least three contrasting performances, developing their ability to evaluate artistic choices, techniques, and effectiveness. From these, they will select one performance to examine in greater depth, forming the foundation of their written coursework.

    The completed coursework will be assessed internally by staff and then externally moderated to ensure the highest standards of fairness and accuracy.

    Following the completion of Component 1, students will move forward with focused preparation for their final assessed unit, Component 3, equipping them with the skills and insights needed to succeed in the concluding stage of their BTEC journey.



      Curriculum Period 3:

      Curriculum content

      In Curriculum Period 3, students will focus on the completion of their Component 3 coursework, the final and most substantial element of the qualification. In January, the exam board releases the stimulus theme, which acts as the creative foundation for this unit. Students will then take part in a structured period of teaching, exploration, and guided learning, during which they will develop ideas, experiment with approaches, and refine their performance and analytical skills.

      The Component 3 assessment consists of both practical and written elements, allowing students to demonstrate their creativity, technical ability, and evaluative understanding. This component is particularly significant as it carries a weighting of 40% of the overall BTEC award.

      Unlike earlier coursework, Component 3 is externally marked, ensuring that students’ work is assessed with consistency and rigour at a national standard. This unit represents the culmination of their learning journey and provides the opportunity to showcase their full range of skills and achievements.

        Revision resources

        • Pearson Level 1/2 BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts Revision guides
        • Youtube Drama teacher revision videos
        • Knowledge organisers
        • BBC Bitesize

        Subject advice and guidance

        If you need any further guidance, then please contact Mrs Black via email:

        leanne.black@endon.set.org