School leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 2 Years Level 3 Full-Time Bede Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Develop your performance skills and build a solid foundation in theatre, movement, and voice through a hands-on and collaborative approach. From mastering acting techniques to refining your vocal delivery and physical expression, this pathway offers the tools you need to excel on stage and beyond. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, engaging in practical projects, live performances, and workshops that mirror industry settings. Ideal for students passionate about exploring their creative potential, this course enhances your confidence, technique, and versatility. Upon completion, you'll be well-prepared to pursue higher education or step into the performing arts industry with a competitive edge.

You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 4 -9, including English. Successful Audition required.

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free You will need to provide your own stationery and you will be given the opportunity to take part in trips, visits, and industry workshops.

A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used that encourage and facilitate learners’ creative and artistic development. Methods used will encourage both independent and collaborative learning through use of:

Practical workshops/rehearsals, self-directed study and group work and tutorials.

Furthermore, there will be course related companies and practitioners that will lead industry workshops. In addition to this, attendance of performances will be used to broaden learners’ concepts and practice.

Assessment is on-going. Verbal and written formative feedback are given at regular intervals. Assessment methods differ depending on the unit however typical assessment methods used may include: practical demonstrations and presentations, research portfolios/reports, performances, events, reflective journals/online blogs, essays and evaluations.

Individual or group projects for each unit will always culminate in public performance (when achievable). During your time studying with us, you will be introduced to numerous industry professionals.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

This course aims to push you as a performer for the new age. With the current performing arts industry in mind, this course will challenge you in all aspects; focusing on voice, theatre, and movement

Although you may identify as an actor, dancer or singer, we want to blur these definitions. Creating a modern performer, strengthening your abilities as an actor, singer and dancer. We understand that not everyone is a “triple threat”, and it is not necessarily our intention to make you one. On our performance course we believe in strengthening these skills, allowing the performer to increase their confidence and open up their employability options. The industry is asking for versatile performers and we want to prepare our students to answer this call; whether that be through one of the prior-defined roles or something else entirely. You’ll learn to push yourself and find talents in areas you never expected.

What’s next?

Upon completion, students can progress to higher education, such as degrees in acting, performing arts, or theatre studies. They can also audition for drama schools to further refine their craft. Employment opportunities are varied, including roles in theatre, TV, and film, as well as positions within community arts, education, and events. The course provides the essential skills and experience to succeed in the competitive world of performance, whether pursuing professional acting, creative roles, or further academic pathways.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

NSS, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus