October 2025 BTEC Performing Arts update
Welcome to this September 2025 update with all the latest news on our BTEC Performing Arts qualifications.
This update provides all the support you need for the new academic year.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions using my details below.
In this update you will find information on:
- New Nationals Unit 3 Sample Marked Learner Work
- New ESMs for Tech Award Components 1 and 2
- All Set for 2025-26 recorded events
- Tech Award training events this term
- Help shape the future of qualifications
- BTEC Performing Arts Sharing Best Practice Facebook page
- New CSMs for Level 3 Performing Arts courses
- Lead Examiner and Moderator reports
- Centre support request
- Technology and assessment practices for vocational qualifications
- Support and Contact
New Tech Award Exemplar Standardisation Materials
We have new exemplars for Components 1 and 2 available from Friday 3rd October.
Component 1
High marks - Musical Theatre (Singin' in the Rain)
Medium marks - Acting (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time)
Low marks - Dance (& Juliet)
Component 2
High marks - Acting (Blood Brothers)
Medium marks - Costume Design (Les Miserables)
Low marks - Dance (All That Jazz)
All Set for 2025-26 recorded events
If you missed the free online information events to help you plan for the year ahead, you can access recordings now.
In the events we:
- Reflected on the Summer exam series for external and internal components and units
- Looked at the key events and up to date information for the new academic year
- Shared ideas, resources and approaches to teaching
| BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts (Tech Award and Firsts) | Watch the recording |
| BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts and Production Arts |
Watch the recording |
| Getting Started: Ways to Teach and Assess BTEC Tech Award (2022) in Performing | https://pearson.cventevents.com/E0bgGg | 9-Oct-25 4-6pm |
| BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (2022): Marking and moderation for Internally Assessed Components- Component 1 | https://pearson.cventevents.com/eADOkV | 15-Oct-25 4-6pm |
| BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (2022): Marking and moderation for Internally Assessed Components- Component 2 | https://pearson.cventevents.com/YAZdkq | 21-Oct-25 4-6pm |
Help shape the future of qualifications.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you choose between Vocational Qualifications (such as BTEC) and General Qualifications (such as GCSE and A Level) —especially for subjects with lots of coursework.
Your insights will help us build a curriculum that truly supports students’ learning journeys and career goals.
Tell us what matters to you by the end of October. Your feedback will guide decisions for upcoming school years.
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.
Centre support request
The performing arts team at Dixons Kings Academy in Bradford is running the BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts. They are looking to work with any schools in Bradford or the West Yorkshire area who are successfully delivering the course and would be willing to work with them on moderation and potentially mentoring a young teacher.
If you fit the bill, please feel free to get in touch with Tim Rossell, Head of Creative Arts: TRossell@dixonska.com
Technology and assessment practices for vocational qualifications
We’d love to hear how your centre uses digital tools, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), and how you manage assessment for BTECs and Functional Skills Qualifications.It helps us understand what works best for you today, and make sure future developments are designed around your needs. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and every response helps shape what comes next.
Deadline 30th November 2025.
Subject advisor
Paul Webster
Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts
