RSL Diploma in Performing Arts
(with either a Dance or Drama Focus)

Course Overview

This qualification is the equivalent to 1.5. A levels and consists of seven units. There are seven units. Five internal optional units, one internal core and one external core.

How is the course assessed?

Year 12

Term 1:
Internal Core - CAPA 306 - Planning for a Career in the Creative & Performing Arts – Dance and Acting.
This unit focuses on the ability to manage a career through careful planning. Students will understand what is needed to facilitate the development of appropriate knowledge and skills and the timescales involved in the process.

Optional Unit 1 – Dance - CAPA 329 - Dance Technique and Performance 1
This unit aims to develop learners’ skills in a selected dance style and their ability to understand, create and perform style-specific techniques and sequences. The purpose of this unit is to provide learners with the opportunity to practically understand the challenges of developing dance technique and performance as well as understanding the background and context of a chosen dance style.

Optional Unit 1 - CAPA310 - Approaches to Acting
The aims of this unit are:

1. To introduce learners to different approaches to acting

2. To enable learners to incorporate ideas taken from one of these into their own performances

The purpose of this unit is to enable learners to develop understanding of different approaches to acting and to gain practical experience of these approaches through performance.

Term 2:
External Unit - Performance Preparation - Dance and Acting
This unit prepares learners for participation as performers in a performance production by developing their understanding of the styles and contexts of performance genres, exploring and developing a range of skills and techniques required for auditions/interviews for roles in performance productions as well as developing their planning and rehearsal skills in collaboration with others.

Term 3:
External Unit - Continue to develop and complete for Dance and Acting.

Optional Unit 2- Dance - CAPA 335 - Repertory Dance Performance
The aim of this unit is to develop the learner’s ability to learn, rehearse and perform a group dance. To enhance their understanding of working together towards a united vision of the performance aim, supporting their peers and understanding the skills required to perform with confidence, accuracy and artistry.

Optional Unit 2 - Acting - CAPA313 - Contemporary Theatre
The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the concepts of contemporary theatre. The purpose of this unit is for learners understand how contemporary theatre works. They will also develop their research and presentation skills.

Year 13

Term 1:
Optional Unit 3 - Dance – CAPA 332 - Global Dance Styles
The aim of the unit is for the learner to develop their understanding and skills in the background, culture and the dance requirements of a global dance style as well as the ritual and meaning behind this.

Optional Unit 3 - Acting - CAPA311 - Audition Techniques
The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to audition techniques. The purpose of this unit is for learners to develop practical skills in the techniques for auditioning in the performing arts.

Term 2:
Optional Unit 4 - Dance – CAPA 324 Choreography
The aim of this unit is to develop the learner’s understanding of dance composition and choreographic principles and apply them to the process of creating, rehearsing and bringing to performance a dance work.

Optional Unit 4 - Acting - CAPA320 - Vocal Techniques
The aim of this unit is for learners to develop vocal skills and techniques to use their voices effectively in the media. The purpose of this unit is for learners to work towards the creation of voice-overs, commentaries and broadcast material using the voice.

Destinations