02 Mar 2021
This qualification is being withdrawn
The operational end date (last date for new starts) of this qualification is 31/07/2021 and the certification end date is 31/07/2022.
Key Facts
Qualification purpose
Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area
Qualification Grading Type
Pass
Assessment Methods
Why choose this qualification?
These qualifications are intended to provide learners with a broad introduction to the performing arts sector, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills. They are designed to support progression to further learning and ultimately to work in performing arts or other related sectors.
The Skills for Performing Arts qualifications form part of the Suite of Skills qualifications that cover a number of sectors and are available at Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2. The employability skills units are common across the suite, enabling easy transfer of credits between qualifications and supporting opportunities for cross-faculty working.
The qualifications have been developed with the support of a number of further education colleges, training providers and adult and community learning providers. They have been designed to be consistent with the principles for study programmes for 16-19 year olds but are also relevant, particularly in the case of the smaller qualifications, for adults including the unemployed. These qualifications are also suitable for pre 16 learners.
Changes to our “Skills for…” qualifications
The recent review of our Vocational qualifications has resulted in the decision to withdraw the Entry Level Diploma in the Skills for Performing Arts (Entry 3) qualification. The Operational End Date of the qualification will be the 31/07/2021 and the Certification End Date will be the 31/07/2022. The E3 Diploma qualification specification covers just this qualification until it’s withdrawal.
Please refer to the new Skills for Performing Arts qualification specifications for further details of our updated E3 to L1 Skills for Performing Arts and L2 Skills for Performing Arts qualifications.
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete the three mandatory units from Group M, totalling 9 credits. In addition, they must complete a minimum of 11 credits from Group O1 (Optional units: Performing Arts Skills) and 17 further credits from either Group O1 or Group O2 (Optional units: Employability Skills).
Units
A minimum of 9 credits must be completed from this group
Basic Performing Arts Skills
Introduction to the Performing Arts
Taking Part in a Performance
A minimum of 11 credits must be completed from this group
Acting Skills
Acting Skills for Solo and Duologue
Backstage Theatre Skills
Contributing to a Dramatic Improvisation
Creating Dance
Creating Drama
Creating Music and Lyrics
Creating Sets and Stages
DJing Skills
Dance Skills
Dance and Movement Workshop
Design Skills for Performance
Design Skills for Performance
Devising and Directing Dance
Directing and Devising Drama
Drama and Theatre Workshop
Ensemble Music Performance
Exploring Dance
MIDI Sequencing and Software
MIDI and Audio Techniques
Make-up for Performance
Music Skills for Solo Performance
Musical Ensemble Skills
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre Skills
Performance Workshop
Performing Arts Individual Repertoire and Showcase
Performing Physical Theatre
Plan, Lead and Review a Dance Activity
Preparing Performing Arts Work
Preparing for a Performance
Promoting a Performing Arts Event
Promoting a Performing Arts Event
Rehearsing for a Production
Solo Music Performance
Song Writing Skills in Popular Music
Sound and Audio Production Skills
Using the Body in a Dramatic Context
A maximum of 17 credits may be completed from this group
Applying for a Job
Applying for a Job
Assessing own Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills
Assessing own Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills
Building Working Relationships with Colleagues
Career Progression
Career Progression
Conduct at Work
Effective Communication in the Workplace
Effective Communication in the Workplace
Effectiveness at Work
Effectiveness at Work
Exploring Entrepreneurship
Exploring Entrepreneurship
Exploring and Presenting Enterprise Ideas
Exploring and Presenting Enterprise Ideas
Interview Skills
Interview Skills
Introduction to Self-Employment
Introduction to Self-Employment
Learning from Work Placement
Learning from Work Placement
Positive Attitudes and Behaviours at Work
Preparing for Work Placement
Preparing for Work Placement
Preparing for an Interview
Preparing for an Interview
Safe Learning in the Workplace
Safe Learning in the Workplace
Searching for a Job
Searching for a Job
Setting and Meeting Targets at Work
Skills for Creative Thinkers
Skills for Creative Thinkers
Skills for Effective Participants
Skills for Effective Participants
Skills for Independent Enquirers
Skills for Independent Enquirers
Skills for Reflective Learners
Skills for Reflective Learners
Skills for Self Managers
Skills for Self Managers
Skills for Team Workers
Skills for Team Workers
Solving Work-related Problems
Solving Work-related Problems
Time Management
Using ICT in the Workplace
Using ICT in the Workplace
Using Numeracy Skills in the Workplace
Using Numeracy Skills in the Workplace
Work in a customer-friendly way
Work in a customer-friendly way
Working in a Team
Working in a Team
Working with Colleagues
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is suitable if you need a comprehensive, introductory Entry level performing arts course. It will be of specific relevance to:
• Young people interested in a career in the performing arts industry who intend to access level 1 qualifications, but will need a fairly extended programme before they are ready to do so.
• Young people and adults, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, who have ambitions to work in the performing arts industry but need a fairly extensive grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills, usually over an extended period of time, before deciding whether to apply for work or for a relevant level 1 course.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification will provide you with a comprehensive range of basic, introductory skills, as well as core knowledge, relevant to the performing arts, alongside generic employability skills which are needed both in the performing arts industry and across other sectors. You must take the three mandatory units below:
• Introduction to the Performing Arts
• Basic Performing Arts Skills
• Taking Part in a Performance.
Optional units cover knowledge and skills relating to dance, drama, music and backstage and administrative roles (such as creating dance, acting skills, musical ensemble skills, creating sets and stages and promoting performances), alongside generic employability skills (such as self-management skills and working in at team).
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate and Diploma. You should take the Diploma if before progressing to employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 1 qualification, you need an extended introduction to the sector including the opportunity to build up a range of skills and knowledge, explore a number of potential job roles in the sector, and gain a set of more generic workplace skills. The Diploma will be suitable if you would benefit from an extended period of time working at Entry level, up to 2 years, before moving onto Level 1.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification is primarily designed to lead to further learning, as job roles in the performing arts industry at this level are very limited, but you could progress from this qualification to an entry-level role such as production assistant or runner.
What are the progression options?
You can progress to a Level 1 certificate or diploma in performing arts, including Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate and Diploma in Skills for Performing Arts.
Progression & entry requirements
You do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. It is available to learners of any age.Funding information
Learning Aims Search
The Hub provides a Learning Aims Search which you can use to check the funding status of any qualification or unit.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Hub website
From 1st July 2021, the Hub will be replaced by a new Find a learning aim (FALA) service. This service is currently in BETA so if you experience any issues with finding funding details, please double check on the Hub above, or contact your account manager.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.
The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.