Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts | Pearson qualifications

Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts

Subject update | 2 March 2026

March 2026 BTEC Performing Arts update

I hope this spring term is going well so far. In this March 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 

Component 3 sample marked learner work

We have nine new examples of sample marked learner work for Component 3 in the Tech Award.  You can access the materials here.

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

Unit 3 and Component 3 Word templates

If you can't find the Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop and Component 3: Responding to a Brief Word templates, here is a link to them:


New Higher Nationals in Music and Performing Arts Suite 

higher nationals PA specs

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Following the launch of our new BTEC Higher Nationals in Music and Performing Arts in September 25, we’re now supporting centres with planning and preparation for delivery. 

This exciting new suite includes 11 HNC and HND qualifications, developed with input from centres, employers, and industry specialists.

You can find the Assessment and Assignment Guidance booklet on HN Global, which includes example assignment briefs:

Assessment and Assignment Guidance Booklet for the Higher National Diplomas in the Creative Suite

New training dates have now been launched – book your place now! 

Introduction to teaching and assessing the new Creative Arts Suite: 23rd April 

Pearson Set Reminder  
As part of the move to the updated structure for the full Higher Creative Suite – including Art, Design, Media, Performing Arts, and Music – please note that there are no longer any Pearson Set units in these qualifications.  
The last published Pearson Set themes remain valid and can be used until the end date of each existing qualification.  


Vamos Theatre

Vamos Theatre mask library

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Vamos Theatre is the UK's leading full mask theatre company, taking its funny and fearless brand of wordless theatre across the length and breadth of the country and beyond since 2006. Their work covers many topical and fascinating elements of life, exploring sometimes difficult subject matter with humour, empathy and great soundtracks. 

They have lots of useful resources available for teachers and students, including free Education packs for their productions, full length recordings of their productions that can be accessed via their website, and lots of support and guidance on creating mask work.

They also offer teachers and students the chance to try out mask theatre without the cost of purchasing a mask set - thirty-two character masks, available to loan in half termly blocks. 

Vamos Theatre


ebony-scrooge-education-pack

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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

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.


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.

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