Btec National Diploma in Performing Arts (drama) ADVICE NEEDED

hi next year im going to be going to college and am applying soon but im not sure whether i want to take either the national diploma in peforming arts (drama) which is worth 3 alevels or take 3 alevels which would probs be drama and theatre studies, phsycology and computing. Does anyone have any information on these courses for me especially the btec and any advice? thanks.

Reply 1

shrek

1

well if your sure that you want either to be an actor/actress, then do that.

Reply 2

-G-a-v-

16

First off, learn to spell psychology :p:

(Sorry, I know that was quite mean of me lol)

Seriously though, I'd personally take the A-level route as it leaves you with more options if you decide that maybe there's something besides performance that you'd be interested in following a career in. Drama&Theatre, Psychology and Computing is a vary varied mix, which can be quite good, but you could do with a fourth subject. Maybe relate the fourth choice to one of your other subjects. You could take English, which would go well with Drama and Psychology, or you could take maths which goes well with computing and to an extent psychology, or maybe biology, as this might go well with psychology.

BTECs are fine, but only if you KNOW that's what you want to do. You're basically doing 3 A-levels in the same subject, so it's not very varied and if you don't like it, you can't really drop it at the end of the year without having to basically restart your first year. With A-levels, you can always drop one of your subjects at the end of the first year and get an AS in that, then carry the other three onto the full A-level. With a BTEC, you don't really get that much flexibility.

I think Edexcel is the main provider of BTECs, so if you do want to find out more about that, go to their website which is www.edexcel.org.uk

Good luck with the decision anyway.

Reply 3

coolchikaj

OP

thanks 4 replyin guys especially distoredgav what you said was very useful. i've got an interview 4 btec nxt wk and then will hav interview 4 alevels l8tr in yr. Once I know which courses I've been accepted for I'm then going to make my desicion although at the moment I am thinking more of doing the a-levels than the b-tec. So if anyone has any more info on the courses im applying for: btec national diploma in performance (drama), alevels: drama + theatre studies, psychology (tht spelt ok 4 u? lol) and computing. I'd b v grateful 4 any mor info thnx guys x

Reply 4

funkymonkey44

hey im currently at college studying performing arts (peformance) at btec level. firstly ill start by saying i was in a similar position to u i didnt no wether to do alevels or btec and i am so glad i decided to do btec. A level theatre does not offer you the practical aspect of drama half as much as the btec does. You will come out of the btec with far more performance back stage and technical experience than you ever thought possible. If you know u want 2 do drama choose this course. Unis r reconising it as a high qulification nowadays and i got straight in based on my predicted grades. its a fab course do. Unis ask you to have practical experience and with this course you certainly get it. You also do modules of business and context so u will gain experience in things other than ascting singing and dancing. there is a therotical side to. if you need anymore help please ask!!

Reply 5

Purple

18

I would do A Levels, you can also do Btec Awards in Performing Arts which is practical but equivilent to one A Level so you would be able to do some other A Levels along with it.

You should also do English along with your subjects as it is respected and useful for Drama.

To get some practical experience like a Btec would offer go to a drama group as that would be seen as extra curricular and shows your dedicated.

Reply 6

oceane

10

If you have the academic ability,I would recommend doing A levels.
16 is too young an age in my opinion to know what you really want to do, and put all your eggs in one basket.

Plus, remember that you'll have 3 years of drama at uni, and then probably drama school after that, in which to specialise. And if you want to get into theatre acting, good knowledge and skills of literary criticism are needed, so I'd recommend English literature A level.

In addition, most actors start out as struggling ones, juggling other jobs to make ends meet. Therefore having a broad education base will make your life a lot easier especially IT skills if you're going to work in an office.

Reply 7

xXKatzXx

1

I have just completed a BTEC National diploma in Acting and I came out with DDM which equals AAB, I know I did mine in a fastrack course (did two years in one) but it was really good! I'm not planning to go into performing arts what so ever infact I'm going to Gloucester uni to study law, but if you have any interest in it I would say go for it, and you don't have any exams to complete its all based your written work and performances!! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!

Btec National Diploma in Performing Arts (drama) ADVICE NEEDED

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