Dance & Performing Arts Revision — Open College Network Northern Ireland Vocationally-Related Qualification
Complete Open College Network Northern Ireland Vocationally-Related Qualification Dance & Performing Arts specification revision resources. Tailored syllabus coverage with topic breakdowns, quizzes, and practice questions.
Specification Topics
- Capturing and Editing Audio Sequences
- Assist With Event Organisation
- Film and Video Production
- Health and Safety in a Working Environment
- Multi-track Recording
- Live Sound Engineering
- Event Organisation within the Fine Arts or Performing Arts
- Location Sound Recording
- Musical Ensemble Skills
- Life Drawing
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Performance Realisation Skills
- Preparing for a Career or Further Study in the Creative Industries
- Location Sound Recording for Film and Video Production
- Presentation Skills in Practice
- Problem Solving Skills
- Practical Presentation Skills
- Song Writing Skills
- Performance Realisation Skills - Performer
- Sound Checking an Ensemble
- Sound for Moving Image
- Studio Mixing
- Capturing, Editing and Presenting Video Sequences
- Teamwork Skills in Practice within the Creative Arts and Digital Technology Sectors
- Teamwork Skills in Practice
- Technical Sound and Audio Production
- Undertaking a Solo Performance
- Using Cameras and Accessories for Film and Video
- Two Dimensional Animation
- Using Imaging Software
- Using Multimedia Software
- Three Dimensional Modelling and Animation
- Using Imaging Software Tools
- Using Social Media to Market and Promote Events, Products and Services
- Using Problem Solving Skills in the Workplace
- Composition
- Capturing and Editing Video Sequences
- Developing Drawing Skills for Painting
- Creative Writing
- Developing Websites
- Developing Problem Solving Skills
- Digital Fabrication
- Film and Video Production
- Drawing Development Methods and Skills
- Health and Safety in Practice
Top Exam Board Tips
- Always test your recording chain before the final take to catch any hardware or software issues early
- Save and back up your project files frequently, using clear version control
- For portfolio evidence, annotate screenshots or provide a written commentary explaining each step of your process
- When presenting, compare your final sequence against a reference track to demonstrate critical listening
- Compile a portfolio of evidence that maps each piece of work to a specific learning objective, ensuring clear cross-referencing for the assessor.
- When discussing the event manager’s role, relate it to a real or simulated event scenario to demonstrate contextual understanding rather than reciting generic definitions.
- For publicity tasks, include a reflection on why chosen methods were suitable for the target audience, linking to audience demographics or event goals.
- During the event, keep a brief diary or log of actions taken; this contemporaneous record is highly valuable in verifying your participation and problem-solving skills.
- Document every stage of your process meticulously—maintain a production portfolio with all pre-production documents, production logs, and edit decision lists to provide robust evidence for assessment.
- Test all equipment (camera, microphones, lights) before the shoot and record multiple takes from different angles to give yourself editing flexibility; always record room tone and wild tracks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Recording with incorrect gain staging, resulting in distortion or excessive noise
- Over-editing, such as cutting too aggressively and losing natural flow
- Applying effects indiscriminately without considering the intended purpose or context
- Exporting audio in an unsuitable format or bitrate for the target medium, causing compatibility issues
- Confusing the distinct roles within an event team, e.g., attributing all technical duties to the event manager rather than recognising specialist contributions.
- Failings to provide concrete evidence of personal participation in planning, relying instead on vague statements without supporting documentation.
- Underestimating the importance of contingency planning, leading to a lack of preparation for common issues such as equipment failure or late audience arrival.
- Using inappropriate communication channels or unprofessional language when publicising the event, which can damage the event’s reputation.
Key Terminology & Definitions
- Audio hardware configuration
- Recording techniques
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) tools
- Editing and post-production
- Audio export and playback
- 1. Be able to participate in planning an event.2. Understand the role of the event manager and others involved in the event.3. Be able to participate in publicising and running an event.
- Understand the film and video production process., Be able to produce pre-production materials., Be able to produce production materials., Be able to develop a final version of a short film or sequence of a film., Understand the certification process.
- Be aware of health and safety procedures and policy at work., Know how to maintain a safe working environment in own workplace., Be aware of responsibility for Health and Safety in own workplace.
- Be able to plan a recording., Understand health and safety issues associated with making recordings., Understand the use of microphones in the recording process., Understand the recording process., Be able to record an ensemble and review the recording.
- 1. Be able to set optimal signal to noise ratio.2. Be able to maintain a mix.3. Be able to assist in maintaining contact with the stage.4. Be able to assist with performance activities.
- 1. Be able to plan an event within the fine arts or performing arts sectors.2. Understand the role of the event manager and others involved in the event within the fine arts or performing arts sectors.3. Be able to publicise and run an event within the fine arts or performing arts sectors.
- 1. Understand the properties of microphones, their application and the basic principles of recording high quality sound.2. Be able to participate in the development of a plan for location sound recording in a short production.3. Be able to record sound for a short production.4. Be able to reflect on own performance.
- Be able to develop ensemble skills on an instrument., Be able to rehearse ensemble performance., Be able to give a performance of musical ensemble skills., Be able to review the performance.
- Recognise different life drawing approaches., Understand proportion when drawing from a life model., Understand the importance of maintaining a personal sketchbook., Understand safe working practices.
- Understand health and safety procedures and policy at work., Be able to maintain a safe working environment in own workplace., Understand own responsibility for Health and Safety in own workplace.