Why study Performance Arts?

Performing in front of an audience can be scary. Practicing different types of performance, and learning how to get your ideas across to others, can help you to become more confident. It also improves your skills in communicating and working with others.

You will have the opportunity to use your imagination and express yourself. You will also be able to use your performance skills. The skills, knowledge and capacities you develop in this course are also useful in other areas of study such as health and wellbeing, creative arts and ICT.

What do I need to get in?

The school or college decides on the entry requirements for the course.

What will I study?

This course will give you a broad understanding of many different types of performance such as:

• dance
• drama
• music
• recital
• song.

You will learn how to communicate your thoughts, feelings and ideas through performance. You will also learn how to use a range of methods and resources, including technology, to improve your performances.  

The course consists of one mandatory unit and two optional units.

Compulsory Unit

Developing Performance Skills (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will learn about:

• different types of performance (see Course Outline)
• some of the techniques and skills used in performance 
• communicating ideas through performance to an audience
• expressing ideas in response to stimuli (things that move you or stir your imagination). 

Optional Units

You must choose two of these options.

Using Performance Skills (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• develop an understanding of how a performance is created
• learn how to appreciate different types of performance, and the methods and  practices used in them
• learn how to use performance skills in different settings. 

Contributing to a Performance (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will learn some of the skills involved in contributing to a performance, by:

• taking part in a planned performance to an audience
• working with others as part of a team on an activity involved in producing the performance - this might include dance, music, drama, movement, recital, song, costume making, make-up, lighting, scenery or props.

Developing Personal Ideas: Performance Arts (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will have the chance to:

• develop your own ideas for a performance, and perform it
• explore and use a range of methods, practices and materials for the performance
• choose a theme for study and develop your performance based on your chosen theme.  

How will I be assessed?

You will be given practical work and other tasks to do when your teacher thinks you are ready. Your finished work should be kept in a folder. This is the record you keep of what you have done and how well you are doing.

If you do not pass a task first time you will be able to try again after more practice and help or advice from your teacher.

Your teacher will tell you how you are getting on. You will get the pass marked on your certificate.

You must pass all the required units to get the National 2 Performance Arts qualification.

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• National 3 Drama
• National 3 Music
• National 3 Music Technology

Further study, training or employment in:

• Communications and Media
• Performing Arts

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell (National 2)