At Queen Ethelburga’s College, a leading private senior school near York, you will find countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the Performing Arts.
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King’s Theatre: A Professional On-Site Performance VenueOur 312-seat King’s Theatre is located on campus at Thorpe Underwood and provides a professional stage for multiple student or external performing arts productions throughout the year. You can regularly take part in shows and enjoy performances from professional touring companies who visit the school. |
Performing Arts Qualifications and Enrichment Opportunities
In Years 10 to 13 (ages 14 to 18), you can study a variety of performing arts qualifications, including GCSE, A Level, and BTEC Performing Arts courses. You can also take part in drama as an enrichment activity, join Saturday morning drama classes through the King’s Academy, or follow the Academy of Dramatic Arts (ADA) pathway, which includes the opportunity to earn a LAMDA qualification.
Key Stage Four (Years 10 to 11)
- GCSE Drama
- GCSE Dance
Key Stage Five (Years 12 to 13)
- A Level Dance
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts Practice
Drama Courses Near York: GCSE
Studying Drama develops skills in acting, improvisation, analysis and interpretation through practical and written elements.
“Drama at QE is amazing. There is so much support from all the teachers. They give you the time and space to grow and develop in what you want to do. The facilities are outstanding and made my time at QE so much more magical. I took part in the plays and musicals each year and saw my skills grow. The drama team at QE is made up of industry professionals who helped me with drama school auditions and monologues. I’ll never forget my experience here.”
GCSE Drama (OCR)
Topics include:
- Character, Context and Plot
- Structure
- Audience and Performance Space
- Improvisation
- Genre, Style and Conventions
- Semiotics of Drama and Theatre
You’ll explore how meaning is communicated to an audience using body, language, sound and performance choices. The course also offers the opportunity to develop your own performance or design style.
BTEC Performing Arts Courses Near York
If you’re looking for a more practical, industry-focused education in acting, musical theatre, or dance, the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts Practice is the perfect option.
“The preparation for drama schools was really helpful and helped to take the pressure off.”
Performing Arts Practice (BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma – Pearson)
The Performing Arts BTEC is a two-year course, with a Foundation Diploma in Year 1 and an Extended Diploma in Year 2.
Year 1: Foundation Diploma
Skills Development:
- Understanding different performance styles
- Creating performance materials
- Performing to an audience
Industry Knowledge:
- Planning a career in the performing arts industry
Year 2: Extended Diploma
Specialist Pathways: Acting, Musical Theatre, or Dance
Modules include:
- Personal project development
- Self-promotion and networking skills
- Producing a collaborative project
Dance Courses Near York: GCSE and A Level
Dance is ideal if you want to build fitness, improve technical and creative skills, and understand dance as an art form. Whether you’re experienced or new to dance, both the GCSE and A Level courses are accessible and rewarding.
| GCSE Dance |
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Components:
You’ll study and respond to a range of contemporary UK dance styles and fusions, while developing your solo and group performance and choreography skills. |
| A Level Dance |
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Components:
This course combines practical assessments with written exams and helps you explore both the historical and contemporary context of dance. |
Additional Performing Arts Opportunities
LAMDA Qualifications
If you want to pursue a career in the performing arts, we recommend working towards the prestigious LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) qualifications. In 2024, all five QE students who took the Grade 8 LAMDA exam achieved Distinction and earned the prestigious Gold Medal.
Academy of Dramatic Arts (ADA) Pathway
The King’s Theatre hosts the Academy of Dramatic Arts (ADA) pathway for students in Years 7 to 13.
ADA provides time within the school day to enhance skills in:
- Acting
- Musical theatre
- Comedy
- Stage combat
- Dance
The performing arts pathway also offers extra support with auditions, profiles and headshots, as well as applying to performing arts schools.
Alumni of the ADA pathway have continued their training at:
Join One of the Top Performing Arts Schools Near York
Whether you're looking to take acting classes, dance classes, or pursue a BTEC Performing Arts course, Queen Ethelburga’s College provides first-class training and professional-standard facilities to help students flourish.
Contact Admissions to begin your application.
