What kind of activities will I do in Entry 1 Performing Arts?

In Entry 1 Performing Arts, you'll engage in a variety of basic, practical activities designed to introduce you to different art forms. This could include simple warm-up games, following basic dance steps or movement sequences, participating in short, guided role-play scenarios, making different sounds with your voice or body, and listening to various types of music. The focus is always on participation and exploration in a supportive group setting.

Do I need to be good at singing or dancing already to take this award?

Absolutely not! This award is specifically designed for beginners with little to no prior experience in performing arts. The main requirement is a willingness to participate, try new things, and have fun. You won't be expected to perform perfectly, but rather to engage with the activities and show effort. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover your creative side without pressure.

How is this qualification assessed?

Assessment for the Open Awards Entry Level Award (Entry 1) is primarily practical and ongoing. Your teacher or assessor will observe your participation in activities, noting how well you follow instructions, engage with others, and respond to tasks. There are no formal written exams. Sometimes, you might be asked simple verbal questions or to contribute to a basic activity log, but the core assessment is based on your active involvement and effort in practical sessions.

What can I do after completing Entry 1 Performing Arts?

Completing Entry 1 is a great achievement and opens up several pathways. You can progress to the Open Awards Entry Level Award in Performing Arts (Entry 2), which builds on the basic skills you've learned. You might also explore other Entry Level qualifications in related subjects. Beyond formal qualifications, you'll have gained confidence, teamwork skills, and a basic understanding of performing arts, which can be valuable in many areas of life and further learning.

Is Entry 1 Performing Arts suitable if I'm a shy student?

Yes, it can be very suitable! The Entry 1 award is designed to be inclusive and supportive, providing a gentle introduction to performing arts. Activities often start with individual exploration before moving to small group work, helping you build confidence gradually. The focus is on participation and trying, not on being a 'star' performer. Many shy students find that the encouraging environment helps them to step out of their comfort zone at their own pace and discover new ways to express themselves.

What's the main difference between Entry 1 and Entry 2 in Performing Arts?

The main difference lies in the level of independence and complexity of tasks. Entry 1 focuses on following simple instructions and participating in highly structured activities, with a strong emphasis on basic engagement. Entry 2 builds on this by expecting you to follow more detailed instructions, contribute simple ideas of your own, and show a slightly greater understanding of basic performing arts elements. It's a progression from guided participation to beginning to make simple choices and contributions.

Communicating with Music

OPEN AWARDS

vocational

This element focuses on developing foundational communication and social interaction skills through music. Learners engage in structured musical activities such as greeting and goodbye songs, selecting and playing percussion instruments, and demonstrating awareness as an audience member. These experiences foster early participation, choice-making, and responsiveness to musical cues in a supportive group setting.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Open Awards Entry Level Award in Performing Arts (Entry 1) (RQF)

Topic Overview

The Open Awards Entry Level Award in Performing Arts (Entry 1) (RQF) is your very first step into the exciting world of dance, drama, and music. This qualification is designed for students who are new to performing arts and want to explore their creativity in a supportive and fun environment. It focuses on building confidence, encouraging participation, and introducing fundamental concepts through practical activities, rather than requiring prior experience or advanced skills. It's an excellent way to discover new interests and develop basic creative expression.

At Entry 1, the emphasis is on active engagement and following simple instructions within a group setting. You'll participate in a variety of basic performing arts activities, such as simple movement sequences, vocal exercises, role-play games, and listening to different types of music. The qualification helps you to observe others, respond to performances in a basic way, and begin to share your own ideas. It's all about trying new things, working with others, and enjoying the process of making performing arts happen, no matter your starting point.

This Entry Level Award is a foundational qualification within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), meaning it's nationally recognised and provides a clear pathway for progression. Successfully completing Entry 1 demonstrates your ability to participate in structured activities and follow guidance in performing arts. It serves as a fantastic stepping stone, preparing you for further learning at Entry 2, Entry 3, and potentially Level 1 qualifications in performing arts, or simply enriching your personal development with valuable communication and teamwork skills.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Participation: Actively joining in with all practical performing arts activities and exercises.
→Following Instructions: Understanding and carrying out simple directions given by a teacher or leader.
→Observation: Watching and listening carefully to others perform or demonstrate.
→Responding: Showing a simple reaction or giving basic feedback to a performance or activity.
→Basic Movement & Voice: Exploring simple physical actions and making basic vocal sounds as part of an activity.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Be able to participate in a greeting song, Be able to follow instructions to select and play, or to respond to a percussion instrument, Be part of an audience/band and show awareness of a musical activity, Be able to indicate that they are aware that someone has said a musical “Goodbye” to them

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for active participation in the greeting song, such as making eye contact, vocalising, or moving in response to the music.
Look for evidence that the learner can follow a simple instruction to choose a percussion instrument from a selection and play it, or demonstrate a clear response (e.g., tapping, shaking) when an instrument is placed in their hand.
Assess the learner's ability to show awareness of being part of an audience or band, for example by turning towards a performer, stilling, or reacting to the start and end of a musical item.
Credit the learner if they give a consistent signal (e.g., looking, smiling, waving, vocalising) that they recognise the musical 'Goodbye' routine.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Record video evidence over several sessions to capture consistent, spontaneous responses rather than one-off prompted actions.
💡Provide a clear, multisensory context for each activity (e.g., use a familiar object or song prop) to help the learner anticipate and participate.
💡Annotate observations with timestamps to link specific learner behaviours to the musical cues being assessed.
💡Involve the learner in a familiar group routine so that the greeting and goodbye songs become predictable, enabling them to demonstrate their recognition and participation more reliably.
💡Engage Fully: Show enthusiasm and actively participate in every practical activity. Examiners look for your willingness to try new things and contribute to the group, even if you feel a little unsure at first.
💡Listen and Follow: Pay close attention to your teacher's instructions and demonstrate that you can follow them accurately. This shows you are learning and can work effectively within the activity's structure.
💡Communicate Simply: Don't be afraid to use simple words or gestures to share your ideas or give basic feedback when asked. Even a 'yes', 'no', or 'I liked that' shows you are engaging with the content and your peers.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Assuming the learner does not understand because their response is subtle or non-standard; many learners communicate through small movements or changes in breathing.
Prompting the learner too quickly to play an instrument before they have had time to process the instruction and make a choice.
Overlooking the learner's role as an audience member; only focusing on active performance and missing evidence of passive but attentive awareness.
Not differentiating between a random action and a purposeful response to the 'Goodbye' cue; careful observation over multiple sessions is needed.
"I need to be a brilliant singer or dancer already to do this award." Correction: Not at all! Entry 1 is for beginners. It's about trying, participating, and learning basic skills, not about being perfect. Your effort and willingness to engage are what matter most.
"This award is only about performing on a big stage." Correction: While performing can be part of it, Entry 1 focuses much more on the process of creating and participating in activities. This includes watching, listening, working with others, and exploring ideas in a safe and encouraging classroom environment, not just formal stage performances.
"I need to memorise lots of complex routines or lines." Correction: The activities at Entry 1 are typically simple, guided, and often involve improvisation or following very basic, easy-to-remember steps. The focus is on immediate engagement and understanding simple tasks, not on memorising lengthy scripts or intricate choreography.

Revision Plan

How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

1Week 1: Active Participation & Observation - Focus on attending all practical sessions. Your main goal is to actively participate in every activity, no matter how small. Also, practice observing others carefully, noticing different movements or sounds.
2Week 1: Following Instructions - Make a conscious effort to listen intently to all instructions. Try to carry them out precisely. If you're unsure, practice asking simple clarifying questions like 'Can you show me again?'
3Week 2: Simple Responses & Reflection - After activities, think about what you did. Practice giving simple feedback to yourself or others, such as 'I enjoyed that movement' or 'I found that sound interesting.' This helps consolidate your learning.
4Week 2: Practice Basic Skills - If you learn a simple movement sequence or vocal exercise, try to practice it a few times on your own or with a friend. This reinforces your understanding and builds confidence.
5Ongoing: Be Prepared & Engaged - Always arrive ready to participate, whether it's wearing appropriate clothing for movement or having an open mind. Consistent engagement is key to success at Entry 1.

Exam Question Types

How this topic typically appears in the exam

📋Observation of Practical Participation: Your teacher or assessor will watch you as you take part in various dance, drama, or music activities. They will be looking for your engagement, your ability to follow instructions, and your effort. Advice: Show you are trying your best, listen carefully to your teacher, and engage with your classmates.
📋Simple Verbal Questions: You might be asked straightforward questions during or after an activity, such as 'What did you do in that game?' or 'Did you enjoy that song?' These are to check your understanding and engagement. Advice: Give a clear, simple answer, even if it's just a few words. Don't overthink it.
📋Practical Demonstration: You may be asked to show a very basic movement, sound, or action you learned during a session. This could be a simple step, a clap, or a vocal sound. Advice: Practice the basic elements you've covered. Focus on clarity and following the original instruction.
📋Activity Log/Simple Portfolio: Sometimes, you might be asked to contribute to a simple log or portfolio, perhaps by drawing a picture of an activity you did, or writing a few words about what you enjoyed. Advice: Keep it simple and honest. Your drawing or words should reflect your participation and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•A willingness to participate and try new things in a group setting.
•The ability to understand and follow simple verbal instructions.
•Basic communication skills to interact with teachers and peers.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Be able to participate in a greeting song, Be able to follow instructions to select and play, or to respond to a percussion instrument, Be part of an audience/band and show awareness of a musical activity, Be able to indicate that they are aware that someone has said a musical “Goodbye” to them

Ready to learn?

AI-powered learning tailored to this unit

Communicating with Music

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in OPEN AWARDS vocational Dance & Performing Arts

Communicating with Dance