EXAM BOARD

Edexcel

THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT AT WYKE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

Performing Arts has always played an important role here at Wyke Sixth Form College, from the winter Christmas shows to the college production at Easter. Whether you want to study the arts academically or just be involved as a hobby or enrichment this is the place for you!

The Performing Arts department has seen exceptional success both on stage and off it. Not only does the department offer both A Level and BTEC courses to accommodate a number of students across all abilities, it is also provides students with the work experience and enriching opportunities to develop young people.

COURSE DETAILS

67% Coursework, 33% External Assessment

UNIT 3: Group Performance Workshop (Externally Assessed)
In this unit, you will learn how to respond to a given stimulus as part of a group, using research, discussion and practical exploration to develop performance material and later present an informal presentation of the work to an invited audience. As a member of a team, you will contribute to the creative development and rehearsal process, shaping and refining the work and applying performance and teamwork skills. You will share responsibility for creative decisions regarding the nature and direction of the intended performance, and your individual contribution will reflect your own skills through the group’s interests and ideas.

UNIT 34: Developing Skills and Techniques for Performance
This unit serves as an induction into the performing arts where you will develop the appropriate skills and techniques in the performance discipline of acting. You will participate in regular workshops, classes and exercises where you will acquire, practice and develop the necessary technical, practical and interpretative performance skills to help you succeed when performing live to an audience. You will consider the nature, skills and attributes of the performer’s role in your chosen discipline. You will work with existing performance works, analysing and interpreting the material in order to understand and apply the relevant skills and techniques appropriate to the style. In practical classes you will demonstrate the discipline, focus and commitment the role of the performer requires.

UNIT 17: Screen Acting
There are many opportunities for actors to gain work providing performances for film, television and digitally recorded moving image media. In this unit, you will develop an understanding of how to apply your acting skills and techniques in front of the camera. You will learn how to scale your performance both physically and vocally to suit the requirements of the camera. By looking at the work of established screen actors and examining different styles, you will develop an understanding of the acting skills required to bring an effective performance to the screen. Throughout your learning and development you will be taught how to reflect on your progress and practice, which will support your development. Screen acting gives a range of employment opportunities, including working in television drama, performing in adverts motion-picture acting and corporate training and information work.

UNIT 19: Acting Styles
Actors need to develop many skills to be able to work, rehearse and perform in a range of acting styles. Exploring the approaches and techniques used by different theatre practitioners and/or theatre companies will help you to develop and adapt your acting and performance skills. This will make you a more versatile actor, opening up possibilities for you to work in a broad range of styles. This unit will introduce you to the basic differences of a range of styles of theatre and the approaches of theatre practitioners. You will take part in workshops that explore acting styles, techniques and practices used by different theatre practitioners in their work. Throughout your learning and development you will reflect on your progress and practice, which will support your development as an actor.

UNIT 29: Storytelling
Storytelling is one of the oldest performance activities known to any culture. Throughout history stories have been told to entertain, educate and help people make sense of their world. This unit will introduce you to storytelling as a performance art. You will investigate the features of traditional stories and develop an understanding of the purpose. Through practical application you will explore existing stories in order to develop a chosen example for performance to a target audience. You will consider the role of storytelling in performing arts and develop skills on how to adapt existing stories to meet the needs of specific audiences.

You will develop strong vocal and movement techniques to recreate different characters, moods and settings to support your performance. Throughout your learning you will reflect on your progress as you develop skills and techniques, setting targets and reviewing these.

PERFORMING ARTS ENRICHMENT (COLLEGE PRODUCTION)
The College production enrichment is not just open to anyone who would like to either sing, act, dance or perform but also to students who have a passion and interest to the behind the scenes working of a production.

As well as performers we need crew!
Opportunities to publicise and work front-of-house, stage-manage, fit and source costume, hair and make-up, scenery shifting and props preparation exist, as well as the chance to run lighting and sound cues, direct and choreograph scenes. Get on board, your college needs you!

Duration
You will be required to participate in a minimum of 2 rehearsals sessions per week, running from September to March.

This will also include full commitment to rehearsals during the February half-term and possibly lunchtimes/after college.

How much will it cost to participate?

There will be no initial cost to participate in this enrichment, However you may want to source your own costume items that may incur a reimbursable fee with receipts.

What is the purpose of the Cross College Production?
The emphasis is on teamwork and collaboration. We want you to experience the highs of performing and bonding as a company during the entire process, working closely with
one-another and creating a production that truly reflects the commitment, determination and talent of you, the students.

We hope that you will establish new friendships and a real sense of achievement and pride will be created.