To achieve this qualification, learners will take between 6 and 8 units, made up of mandatory and optional units.

Everyone will study the following mandatory units:

• Prepare to work in the performing arts sector
• Proposal for a commissioning brief
• Influential performance practice

These units will give learners an understanding of the performing arts in wider contexts, including the way the sector works, job roles and progression opportunities, how to build strategies for sustaining a freelance career and how to plan and develop projects.

Learners will study the work of performing arts practitioners and learn how to demonstrate practical ideas for performance. Learners will also develop transferable skills such as planning, communication and adaptability and gain an understanding of how different businesses and organisations in the performing arts sector work.

In Year 12, students complete 3 units. These Units are externally assessed and a mandatory part of the course.

In Year 13, students will complete unit 4, which is externally assessed, and the remaining units which is internally assessed. All coursework has a large practical focus, culminating in a public performance. Students are expected to work beyond the classroom in community based projects and complete detailed portfolios of their experiences.

It is expected that students will have a passion for the Performing Arts.

Students should have a Merit grade in Level 2 Performing Arts or a related course of study, or grade 4 in Drama, Dance or Music GCSE.  In addition to this experiences such as involvement in clubs, youth theatres, dance groups, choirs and singing or playing an instrument will provide the foundation for success on this course. 

All students will be auditioned for this course prior to subject offers.

The Cambridge Technicals in Performing Arts have been developed to meet the changing needs of the sector, and prepare you students for the challenges you’ll face in Higher Education or employment. These qualifications are not just about being able to perform on stage; designed in collaboration with experts spanning the breadth of the sector, the Cambridge Technicals in Performing Arts focus on the skills, knowledge and understanding that today’s universities and employers demand. Students will practically apply their skills and knowledge in preparation for further study or the workplace.

Students will develop technical and performance skills; as well as theoretical knowledge and understanding to underpin these skills. They will be equipped with the skills to be able to research, apply elements to their own performance and set out project proposals. They will also gain a range of transferable skills that will underpin freelance work in their chosen field.

Students will also gain an understanding of how different businesses and organisations in the performing arts sector work. When it comes to progression or employment, your students will understand the variety of opportunities available to them, and the roles and responsibilities of businesses and organisations within the sector. They will develop strategies, attitudes and survival skills for sustaining a career in the performing arts industry, as well as an understanding of the expectations of potential employers so that they can maximise their chances of getting work in a fiercely competitive environment.

This course can help to provide a route into Higher Education on a Performing Arts programme or specialist performance degree such as Drama and Theatre Arts, any music related course or they can to progress into employment in the performing arts industry either through a Technical Theatre apprenticeship or directly into work.