February 2026 BTEC Performing Arts update | Pearson qualifications

February 2026 BTEC Performing Arts update

Mon Feb 02 09:24:00 UTC 2026

I hope this spring term is going well so far. In this February update  you will find all the latest news on our BTEC Performing Arts qualifications.  

Please do get in touch if you have any questions using my details below.

In this update you will find information on:

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Key Dates

There are some important dates on the horizon for release of externally set tasks on the Nationals, plus the moderation results for the Tech Award internally assessed components for the January 2026 series.
Date Qual and Unit Event
9 March Nationals, Unit 5 External task released
11 March Nationals, Unit 7 External task released
16 March Nationals, Unit 1 Part A released
19 March Tech Award C1 and C2 Moderation results released to students
30 April Nationals Unit 1 Part B completed 

Tech Award training events

We have some free online training events for all three Components on the Tech Award in Performing Arts this term.
BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (2022): Marking and moderation for Internally Assessed Components- Component 1 12 February 2026   16:00 - 18:00 GMT Register now
BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (2022): Marking and moderation for Internally Assessed Components- Component 2 24 February 2026   16:00 - 18:00 GMT Register now
BTEC Tech Award (2022) in Performing Arts: Preparing for External Assessment
 26 February 2026   16:00 - 18:00 GMT Register now

New Component 3 sample marked learner work

We will be releasing nine new examples of sample marked learner work for Component 3 in the Tech Award in early February. You will be able to access the materials here.

Sample Marked Learner Work
Discipline Style Mark range
Performing Arts Jukebox Musical  High 
Performing Arts Brecht/Epic/Non-naturalistic Medium
Performing Arts Drama with songs Low 
Production Design Set High 
Production Design Sound Medium 
Production Design Set Low
Dance Contemporary/lyrical/jazz/street High
Dance Ballet/contemporary Medium
Dance Hip hop/contemporary Low

Standards Verification 2026

Standards Verification is how we check that Pearson centres are operating appropriate quality assurance and maintaining national standards.

We allocate a Standards Verifier (SV), who is a subject expert, to conduct sampling of assessment documents and assessed learner work to provide judgements and feedback. SVs support centres in identifying good practice and areas for further development, giving you guidance on how to improve centre assessment. 

In Performing Arts, we have Standards Verifiers for our Level 1, 2 and 3 courses (everything apart from the Tech Award).

We've been allocating SV's since mid January. If you haven't been contacted yet and want to find out more, please have a look at our support guidance

Standards Verification processes

 

Music and Drama Education EXPO 2026
Paul Webster at the Music and Drama Education EXPO 2026

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The 2026 Music and Drama Education EXPO takes place on 12 and 13 February in the Business Design Centre in London

.Both days are free and there are tons of workshops, talks, seminars and opportunities to learn about what's happening in the world of performing arts, music and drama education. 

On Thursday at 1015am in the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre myself and the Subject Advisor for Music, Jeff Hole, will be leading a session on the future of Key Stage 4 and 5 qualifications in Music, Drama and Performing Arts.

We will be discussing our perspective on the future of Key Stage 4 and 5 qualifications in Music, Drama and Performing Arts, sharing research findings, priorities from teachers and students, and what the future holds for these subjects.

Music and Drama Education EXPO 2026
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Ebony Scrooge Zoonation Education Pack

The wait is over, Ebony Scrooge has landed! 
Secondary Scheme of Learning: Exploring the Production Ebony Scrooge by ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. 

Ideal for Key Stage 3 and adaptable for Key Stage 4, this pack invites students to dive into the world of Ebony Scrooge, while developing core choreographic skills using the exclusive choreographic toolkit, created by Writer, Director & Choreographer Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe.

You can sign up to ZooNation's Educational Newsletter to access this education and all their free resources

Zoonation resources

BTEC Performing Arts Sharing Best Practice Facebook Group
Pearson Edexcel Art and Design teacher group for GCSE, A Level and International GCSE Art and Design teachers. Run by your Subject Advisor Jaclyn Wiid.

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Do you teach any of our BTEC Performing Arts or Production Arts courses?

Then this group was made for you. It’s a friendly, professional space where you can share ideas, swap tips, and ask those everyday teaching questions.

Whether you're after inspiration or support, this is a great place to collaborate with others and get the latest news.

Join the BTEC Performing Arts Sharing Best Practice Facebook Group

Support and contact

Please feel free to get in touch, if you require any help or support in the teaching and assessment of our performing arts courses.
You can access my contact details below.

Subject advisor

Paul Webster

Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts

Email :
teachingperformingarts@pearson.com
Facebook :
Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535 (Teaching Services team | Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm GMT)
Sign up to subject advisor updates Visit the customer support portal Visit your performing arts and drama community page Book an appointment with your subject advisor
Paul Webster, Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts subject advisor
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