Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate In Skills for Performing Arts

Rules of Combination

Learners must complete the two units from the Mandatory Group (M), totalling 8 credits. In addition, they must complete a minimum of 8 credits from Group O1 (Optional units - Performing Arts) and 9 further credits from either Group O1 or Group O2 (Optional units - Employability Skills, English and Maths). At least 7 credits from Groups O1 and O2 combined must be at level 1 or above, with at least 2 credits at level 1 or above coming from Group O1. Learners cannot include more than one unit with the same or similar title.

Units

What is the purpose of this qualification?

This qualification is suitable if you need a broad introductory level 1 course in performing arts. It is particularly appropriate for:
• Young people interested in a career in the performing arts who intend, but are not yet ready, to access level 2 qualifications or a level 2 apprenticeship
• Young people and adults, including those who have had a significant break from or disjointed experience of education, who wish to work in the performing arts industry but need a grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills, usually over a one year period, before deciding whether to apply for work or for a further course.

What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

This qualification will provide you with a 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 following units:
• Working in the Performing Arts
• Performance Skills.
Optional units cover knowledge and skills relating to dance, drama, music and music technology, and backstage and administrative roles (such as devising and directing dance and drama, acting skills, musical performance and song-writing skills, backstage theatre skills and promoting performances), alongside generic employability skills (such as time-management skills and working in a 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 Certificate if you need a broad introduction to the sector, as well as more generic workplace skills, before progressing to employment (with further training where possible), to a level 2 Apprenticeship 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

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

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.

Internal Quality Assurance

Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms

Suggested Resources for Performing Arts