02 Mar 2021
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.
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete at least one unit from Group M – Mandatory worth a minimum of 4 credits and at least 4 further credits from Group M or Group 01 – Optional units.
Units
Learners must complete at least one unit from Group M – Mandatory worth a minimum of 4 credits.
Performance Skills
Working in the Performing Arts
Learners may include one or more units from Group 01 – Optional Units.
Acting Skills
Backstage Theatre Skills
Dance Skills
Design Skills for Performance
Devising and Directing Dance
Directing and Devising Drama
Music Skills for Solo Performance
Musical Ensemble Skills
Preparing Performing Arts Work
Song Writing Skills in Popular Music
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is suitable if you need a short, level 1 Performing Arts course. It will be of specific relevance to:
• learners of any age who have been disengaged with learning and need a short introduction at Entry level before progressing straight to a larger certificate or diploma at level 1
• unemployed adults needing to demonstrate their interest in and commitment to the performing arts industry to potential employers, particularly where further work-based training will be on offer.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification provides you with an introductory set of knowledge and skills, relevant to performing arts. You must take at least one of the three mandatory units below:
• Working in the Performing Arts
• Performance Skills.
Optional units include topics such as song-writing, solo and ensemble music performance, directing and devising drama and dance, and backstage theatre skills.
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 Award if you need only a small amount of focused learning relating to performing arts before progressing to employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 2 qualification, as illustrated in the target learner profiles provided above.
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 2 certificate or diploma in performing arts, such as Performance Skills (Dance, Acting, Theatre, Music), Performing and Productive Arts, including Gateway Qualifications Level 2 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.