Skip to content ↓

BTEC Drama Specification

Qualification: BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts 

Level: 1 & 2
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

What you learn about:

The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts is designed for students with a passion for drama, dance, or musical theatre. This vocational qualification allows students to explore the world of performance, understand the work of industry professionals, and develop their own practical and creative skills.

It prepares learners for future study or work in the performing arts by focusing on both performance and production. The course allows students to refine techniques, evaluate professional works, and respond creatively to performance briefs.

During the course, students will study:

  • Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts – Understanding performance styles, creative intentions, and performance roles through analysis of professional works.

  • Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques – Developing physical and interpretive skills through workshops and rehearsal, with a focus on refining performance.

  • Component 3: Responding to a Brief – Applying skills in a real-world scenario by devising and performing a piece in response to a set brief under exam conditions.

Assessment:

The qualification is assessed through a mix of internal and external components:

  • Components 1 & 2: Internally assessed through practical performance and supporting coursework (60% of total grade).

  • Component 3: Externally assessed through a supervised task set and marked by Pearson (40% of total grade).

All components assess both practical and written skills, encouraging students to reflect on their creative process as well as the final product.

Other Information:

The BTEC in Performing Arts is ideal for students who enjoy working practically and collaboratively. It helps develop confidence, creativity, discipline, and communication—skills that are valuable in many careers, not just in the arts.

This course supports progression into A Levels, BTECs at Level 3, or creative industry apprenticeships.

Careers linked to this qualification include:

  • Acting

  • Dance

  • Theatre Production

  • Arts Management

  • Teaching

  • Creative Media and Film