Dance & Performing Arts

    Open College Network West Midlands
    Vocational

    Specification: 600/8087/5

    The OPEN-COLLEGE-NETWORK-WEST-MIDLANDS Vocational Dance & Performing Arts specification covers 35 topics with 73 learning objectives (600/8087/5). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    35

    Units

    73

    Learning Outcomes

    149

    Assessment Guidance

    161

    Key Skills

    Ready to learn?

    AI-powered learning tailored to your qualification

    Start Practising

    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Blocking or refusing offers from fellow performers during improvisation, which halts creative flow.
    • •Failing to consistently align devised material with the given brief, leading to irrelevant performance content.
    • •Producing a superficial review that lacks concrete examples from the performance and does not address personal contribution.
    • •Confusing dance leadership with pure choreographic or technical dance ability, overlooking the interpersonal and organisational skills that are central to the role.
    • •Misunderstanding motivation as simply offering praise without connecting it to clear, achievable goals tailored to individual participant needs.
    • •Treating behaviour management as a reactive process only, neglecting the importance of proactive strategies like establishing session rules and creating a positive climate from the outset.
    • •Confusing role agreement with simply taking orders; not actively negotiating or expressing preferences.
    • •Assuming that verbal communication means only speaking, neglecting non-verbal cues like body language or tone.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Always practise 'yes, and...' to accept and build upon your partners' ideas, creating more dynamic and coherent improvisations.
    • •Keep the brief visible during rehearsals and check regularly that all devised elements directly respond to its instructions.
    • •When writing your review, support each evaluation point with specific moments from the performance to demonstrate reflective depth.
    • •When completing written tasks, explicitly link your explanations of leadership skills and values to relevant theories or models (e.g., Maslow's hierarchy, the ‘need for autonomy’) to demonstrate depth of understanding.
    • •For the practical assessment, video record your motivational and behaviour management interventions, then annotate the footage with timestamps and reflective commentaries to evidence your decision-making in action.
    • •In your portfolio, always cross-reference your practical evidence with the assessment criteria. For instance, show that you planned specific motivational techniques and later evaluated their success, rather than leaving it as an incidental outcome.
    • •In practical assessments, document your contributions to role negotiation, perhaps through a brief written reflection or video diary, to provide clear evidence.
    • •During group activities, consciously demonstrate active listening: nod, maintain eye contact, and summarize what others said before responding.

    Qualification Units

    35 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    Improvisation and Performance

    This subtopic explores improvisation as a foundational tool in performing arts, enabling learners to spontaneously generate material and develop characters or scenes. Learners will apply improvisational techniques to devise a group performance in response to a given brief, fostering teamwork and creative problem-solving. The process culminates in reflective evaluation, enhancing critical awareness of personal and collective performance outcomes.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Dance Leadership Skills

    This element focuses on developing the core competencies required for effective dance leadership. Learners explore the essential skills, personal qualities, and ethical values that underpin safe and inclusive dance sessions, while also acquiring practical techniques to motivate participants and manage behaviour constructively. The learning is directly applied through real-world scenarios, preparing individuals to lead with confidence in community, educational, or fitness settings.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Teamwork and Communication Skills for Performing Arts

    This element focuses on developing essential interpersonal skills for collaborative performance work. Learners learn to negotiate roles, communicate effectively in rehearsals and productions, and constructively handle feedback. Mastery of these skills underpins professional conduct and ensures cohesive ensemble performance in the performing arts industry.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Performing Physical Theatre

    This element explores the rigorous demands and creative expression of physical theatre, emphasising safe practice, body awareness, and the development of movement vocabulary. Learners will construct and perform physical sequences, engage in collaborative feedback processes, and critically evaluate their own work to refine performance skills.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Design for Performance

    This unit introduces learners to the fundamental principles of design for performance, focusing on the practical translation of creative concepts into realised stage elements. Learners will develop skills in budgeting, health and safety compliance, and the effective communication of ideas to an audience, culminating in the production and critical evaluation of their own design work.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Making Dance

    This element focuses on the foundational skills required to safely and creatively produce dance sequences. Learners will develop a disciplined approach to physical preparation through warm-up and cool-down routines, build ensemble trust, and explore the choreographic process of devising, structuring, and linking movement phrases. The culmination involves performing dance material with a partner or small group, emphasizing non-verbal communication and synchronisation essential for ensemble work in the performing arts.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Technical Skills for Performance

    This element develops learners' ability to apply technical production skills safely and creatively in a performing arts context. It covers understanding health and safety regulations, identifying technical requirements from a production brief, and using lighting, sound, or other equipment to enhance performance. Learners also reflect on their own technical practice to improve future work.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Choreographing Dance

    This subtopic introduces foundational choreographic skills, enabling learners to generate, structure, and direct original dance works. Emphasis is placed on applying compositional devices and manipulating movement elements to convey artistic intent, while fostering critical self-reflection to identify strengths and areas for development in choreographic practice.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Composing Music Collaboratively

    This element focuses on the collaborative process of composing music, from initial idea generation to final refinement. Learners will explore how to set personal and group aims, develop musical material, and make shared structural decisions, culminating in a co-created piece. The emphasis is on effective communication, creative compromise, and critical self-evaluation, simulating real-world performance and production environments.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    6 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Improvisation Techniques

    This subtopic focuses on developing the ability to spontaneously create performance material in response to various stimuli, while adhering to safety protocols. Learners will explore how improvisation can generate and refine ideas, enhance understanding of scripted texts, and foster critical self-reflection. The practical application encompasses devising, character exploration, and unlocking subtext in rehearsals.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Song Writing Skills

    This subtopic equips learners with the foundational skills to analyse and create popular music songs, focusing on how genre conventions, structural forms, and thematic content combine to shape effective compositions. Through practical application, learners explore the use of lyrical and musical devices to convey meaning and emotion, culminating in the ability to compose an original song that demonstrates technical understanding and creative expression. This unit prepares vocational learners for further study or entry-level roles in music performance, songwriting, and production within the performing arts industry.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Oral Storytelling for Performance

    This element develops learners' ability to select, memorise, and perform oral stories with personal style, using rehearsal and reflection to refine delivery. It focuses on the craft of live storytelling, combining narrative structure, vocal expression, and audience connection to create engaging performances for a specific audience.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Sound Production and Recording

    This element focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of sound production and recording within performing arts contexts. Learners will develop essential skills in safe equipment operation, sound capture, manipulation, and storage, while learning to critically evaluate their own technical and creative choices to produce professional-quality audio for performances.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Devising Drama

    Devising drama is the collaborative process of creating original performance material from stimuli such as themes, objects, or narratives, emphasising character development, situational context, and storytelling. At Level 2, learners translate imaginative concepts into structured scenes with distinct style and angle, while honing acting techniques and reflective practice. This skill is fundamental for roles in community theatre, drama facilitation, and further performing arts training, where the ability to generate and critically evaluate work is essential.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes13 guidance points

    Health and Safety for Performing Arts

    This subtopic equips performing arts learners with the knowledge and skills to work safely in rehearsal, performance, and production environments. It covers the legal framework, practical risk assessment, and the implementation of control measures to prevent harm. Learners will apply these principles to real performing arts activities, ensuring the wellbeing of themselves and others.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Musical Ensemble Skills

    This element focuses on developing the collaborative skills required for effective musical ensemble performance. Learners will explore how to work cooperatively with fellow musicians, plan and execute structured rehearsals, and deliver a polished performance to an audience. The ability to critically review ensemble work is also central, enabling continuous improvement and professional development in performing arts contexts.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Planning and Building a Set

    This element focuses on the practical and collaborative process of planning and constructing a set for a performing arts production. Learners will explore the full lifecycle from interpreting a production's set requirements through to evaluating the final built set, while navigating real-world constraints such as budget, materials, and health and safety. Emphasis is placed on team roles, effective communication, and the integration of creative vision with technical feasibility.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Promoting a Performing Arts Event

    This element focuses on the strategic and practical aspects of promoting a performing arts event, from understanding the reasons behind promotion to planning, executing, and evaluating a campaign. Learners will explore audience development, the promotional mix, and the use of both traditional and digital channels to maximise attendance and engagement. The ability to critically review promotional activities ensures continuous improvement and professional practice.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    The Internet as a Tool for Music Promotion

    This element explores how digital platforms facilitate global music distribution and targeted promotion, enabling artists to reach audiences directly. Learners will examine copyright law essentials as they apply to web content, ensuring legal compliance in design. The practical focus involves conceptualising and creating a music-centred website that integrates promotional strategies with copyright-aware practices.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Lyric Composition

    This element focuses on the art and industry of lyric writing, equipping learners with the creative and analytical skills to produce words for songs across various genres and platforms. It covers understanding the commercial and artistic outlets for lyrics, composing original material, and appreciating how lyrics integrate with musical elements like melody and rhythm. Through building a personal portfolio and reflective review, learners develop a practical foundation for roles in songwriting, performance, or community arts facilitation.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Hair and Make-up for Performance

    This element equips learners with the practical skills and underpinning knowledge to safely design, apply, and remove performance hair and make-up. It emphasises health and safety, the creative use of techniques to enhance characterisation, and the critical evaluation of outcomes to improve practice. This prepares learners for real-world backstage roles.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Acting Skills

    This subtopic introduces learners to foundational acting techniques, focusing on the practical application of vocal and physical skills to create believable characters. Through structured workshops and performance tasks, students develop the ability to embody a role, respond to direction, and collaborate effectively, cultivating a professional attitude essential for progression in the performing arts.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Performing in a Production

    This subtopic focuses on the practical application of performance disciplines and techniques crucial for effective stage or screen realisation. Learners develop the ability to critically reflect on their own contributions and technical execution, as well as analyse the overall production elements. It bridges the gap between theory and practice by contextualising individual performance within collaborative creative work.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Group Devised Drama Project

    This element focuses on the collaborative creation of an original drama performance from initial idea to public presentation. Learners develop essential skills in devising, scripting, and structuring work to effectively communicate with an audience while integrating direction and teamwork to produce a cohesive piece.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Music for Performance

    This element focuses on the integral role of music in performance, exploring how it can shape mood and atmosphere to enhance storytelling. Learners develop practical music-making skills, including the manipulation of rhythm and tempo, and gain the ability to critically select appropriate music for specific performance contexts.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Using a Digital Audio Workstation

    This element equips learners with essential DAW skills tailored to the performing arts, covering the distinction between MIDI and audio tracks, DAW interface navigation, and basic operation. Learners will explore relevant hardware and software options, develop proper technical vocabulary, and practice key workflows including session setup, editing, and mixing. Emphasis is also placed on data management through audio backup procedures and collaborative techniques, ensuring readiness for real-world production environments.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Composing Music

    This subtopic introduces learners to the foundational principles of music composition, exploring how musical devices such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture are employed to create expressive works. Learners will develop initial ideas through improvisation and structured experimentation, then refine these into a completed composition, documenting their creative journey to demonstrate an understanding of the compositional process from inception to performance.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Live Sound Recording

    This element covers the entire process of capturing live audio, from initial planning and selecting appropriate microphones to using portable recorders and mixing down tracks. Learners develop practical skills essential for roles in live sound engineering, event production, and recording arts, ensuring they can deliver professional-quality recordings.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Stage Lighting

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental purposes of stage lighting, including visibility, mood, focus, and time/place establishment. It covers the practical responsibilities of the lighting team, equipment such as lanterns, gels, and control desks, and essential power calculations and safety protocols. Learners apply this knowledge by developing a lighting synopsis and plot, and gain hands-on experience in rigging, operating, and evaluating lighting setups.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Rehearsal Skills

    This unit develops learners' ability to effectively engage in the rehearsal process for performing arts productions. It covers planning rehearsals, active participation, responding to directorial feedback, refining performance skills, and collaborating with others. Mastery of rehearsal skills is essential for any performer, ensuring they can contribute creatively and efficiently to the production process.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Working in the Performing Arts

    This element focuses on the practical knowledge and employability skills required to navigate the performing arts industry. Learners explore the structure of arts organisations, the diversity of job roles, and the pathways for career progression, while auditing their own strengths and preparing professional documentation such as a CV tailored to a specific role.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    6 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Costume for Performance

    This element examines the practical and theoretical aspects of costume in performance, emphasizing safe working practices, effective communication to source or create costumes according to a brief, and the ability to work within budget and time constraints. It develops essential skills for backstage roles, enabling learners to contribute to a production's visual storytelling through appropriate costume choices and reflective evaluation on their own work.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Music Skills for Solo Performance

    This element develops the learner's ability to perform solo on a chosen instrument, integrating technical proficiency, correct physical posture, and disciplined practice routines. It emphasises the importance of understanding musical styles from different periods to inform interpretation, culminating in a performance that is evaluated through reflective self-assessment.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Backstage Skills

    This element focuses on the vital backstage roles and responsibilities that ensure a safe and efficient live performance. Learners acquire practical skills in health and safety, pre-show checks, technical operation, and performance communication, directly applicable to real-world theatre environments.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Set and Meet Goals in the Performing Arts

    This subtopic focuses on the systematic planning, execution, and review of goals within performing arts contexts. Learners develop skills to set individual and group goals, understand responsibilities, plan and undertake group activities, and critically review their own group's performance, fostering essential teamwork and project management abilities applicable to real-world performing arts projects.

    Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Award in the Performing Arts

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Ready to master Dance & Performing Arts?

    Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your Open College Network West Midlands Vocational specification. Every new account includes 7 days of full Premium — no card needed.

    Get Started Free
    Open College Network West Midlands Vocational Dance &...