Courses Available

PERFORMING ARTS

QUALIFICATION:

CTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts OR CTEC Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts

OVERVIEW:

CORE PROGRAMME

  • Full-time route: Extended Diploma (Triple Option – 3 A level equivalent)
  • Part-time route: Foundation Diploma (Single Option – 1.5 A level equivalent.  This option would be studied alongside 2 other A levels, BTECs or CTECs)

For both routes, you will select a pathway from: Acting; Dance; Music, or Technical Theatre

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMME

  • Arts Award Gold Qualification (additional 16 UCAS Points), delivered through PDA.
  • Arts Coaching & Mentoring to support your next steps, delivered within the core programme by teaching staff and creative consultants.
  • Membership of a Show Team to take part in competitions and performance tours at the highest level nationally (drama, dance or music).

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

5 hours a fortnight, which could include:

  • Weekly masterclasses and workshops with industry professionals and creative consultants or our own staff.
  • Private drama or instrumental tuition with one of our creative consultants.
  • Performing in or c-directing the school musical.
  • Leading a PDA activity.
  • Supporting in Year 7 lessons.
  • Supporting the Primary Liaison Programme
  • Taking part in a regional theatre visit or the annual London Theatre Tour.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

It would be advantageous to have a level 2 qualification in your chosen pathway. If this is not the case an audition may be required to assess your suitability for the pathway of your choice.

Good attendance is essential due to the reliance on group work for many assignments.  You may also be required to attend after-school workshops, rehearsals and performances throughout the year.

EQUIPMENT:

If you select the acting and dance pathways, you will require practical clothing. MAPA branded performing arts kit is available to purchase from the school. As all assignments are completed digitally you must have a fully functioning iPad or laptop.

SKILLS:

In addition to creative and technical skills in your chosen pathway, you will need to have skills in independent learning and research and to be reflective. Effective communication both verbally and in written form is essential for the production of the portfolio of evidence.

ASSESSMENT:

If you are studying Performing Arts as one of your three subjects you are following the “foundation diploma” qualification. This is equivalent to 1.5 A levels and carries the same UCAS points. You will study 3 core units, which are assessed by external examiner and 3 additional units which are assignment based and are assessed by your teacher.

The “extended diploma” is equivalent to 3 A level subjects and again carries the same weighting for university applications.  In this course, you complete 15 units, 5 of which are externally assessed by an examiner and the remaining additional units are assignment based.

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

The performing arts academy provides elite training for actors, dancers, musicians and designers. It recognises and builds on the investment in vocational study by parents and, working with creative consultants and industry professionals, prepares applicants for the conservatoire and arts training audition process.

We currently have former students studying performing arts courses at the following institutions: Arden School of Acting; Italia Conti; Arts Educational; LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts); Bath University; Durham University; Laine School of Theatre Arts; MEPA Academy of Dance, and Leeds College of Music

However, the academy also offers flexibility if you want to study a level 3 performing arts qualification but not necessarily take the subject further beyond Malton School. This course can lead to further study or employment in the following fields: theatre admin and management, media, film and television, public relations, coaching, education, law, journalism, politic, history, literature and more.

In lessons, you will develop skills that are not just essential for working in theatre but applicable to a wide range of higher education subjects and in the workplace. You will develop collaboration, communication, concentration, leadership, artistic awareness, self-awareness, creativity, confidence, evaluation and cultural, social and literary contexts. Whatever your future holds, as a student of MAPA you will emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills preparing you for your next steps.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY:

Top tips from current Year 13 students include:

  • “Be prepared for hard work.”
  • “Try to work with everyone in the class at least once in the first term. Get on with everyone – they are your performing arts family.”
  • “Spend equal amounts of time on theory and practical work.”
  • “Treat every performance like the real thing.”
  • “Don’t take yourself too seriously!”