10 Aug 2020
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 changes to qualifications in the Performing Arts sector that will come in to effect as of the 1st August 2020. Please refer to the new Skills for Performing Arts qualification specification or unit spreadsheet for further details.
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
A minimum of 8 credits must be completed from this group
Performance Skills
Working in the Performing Arts
A minimum of 8 credits must be completed from this group. At least 2 credits must be at level 1 or above
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Acting Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Creating Dance
Devising and Directing Dance
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Creating Drama
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Backstage Theatre Skills
Creating Sets and Stages
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Dance and Movement Workshop
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Design Skills for Performance
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Directing and Devising Drama
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
DJing Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Dance Skills
Exploring Dance
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
MIDI and Audio Techniques
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
MIDI Sequencing and Software
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Creating Music and Lyrics
Song Writing Skills in Popular Music
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Musical Ensemble Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Musical Theatre
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Musical Theatre Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Drama and Theatre Workshop
Performance Workshop
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Performing Arts Individual Repertoire and Showcase
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Performing Physical Theatre
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Preparing Performing Arts Work
Preparing for a Performance
Rehearsing for a Production
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Promoting a Performing Arts Event
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Music Skills for Solo Performance
Solo Music Performance
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Sound and Audio Production Skills
A maximum of 9 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
A maximum of 9 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
Applying for a Job
Career Planning
Communication skills for work
Conduct at Work
Customer service skills
Digital Skills for Work
Exploring Entrepreneurship
Exploring and Presenting Enterprise Ideas
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Interview Skills
Introduction to Self-Employment
Making the Most of Work Placement
Negotiation Skills
Numeracy Skills for Work
Searching for a Job
Self-Management Skills for Work
Setting and Meeting Work-Related Targets
Skills for Creative Thinkers
Skills for Effective Participants
Skills for Independent Enquirers
Skills for Reflective Learners
Solving Work-Related Problems
Time Management
Working Safely
Working in a Team
Working with Colleagues
A maximum of 9 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Engage in Discussion
Engage in Discussion
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Listen and Respond
Listen and Respond
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Read for Information
Read for Information
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Read for Purpose and Meaning
Read for Purpose and Meaning
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Speak to Communicate
Speak to Communicate
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Write Accurately
Write with Accuracy
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Write to Communicate
Write to Communicate
A maximum of 9 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Making Calculations
Making Calculations
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Money, Time and Temperature
Money, Time and Temperature
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Numbers, Decimals, Fractions and Percentages
Using Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions and Percentages
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Numerical Relationships, Algebra and Ratios
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using and Communicating Data
Using and Communicating Data
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using Probability
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using Size, Shape and Measures
Using Size, Shape and Space
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
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
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.
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Related Qualifications
- Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Certificate In Skills for Performing Arts (Entry 3)
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Performing Arts
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Extended Certificate in Skills for Performing Arts
- Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Music and Music Technology