The BTEC Performing Arts programme is a two-year course that involves intensive actor and theatre performance training.
Within the two years, our actors build a robust portfolio of work, showcasing a range of performances and written analysis/research of various theatre practices.
Year 12 and Year 13 are often in the same lessons together to support our mentorship programme and create a strong ensemble of performers with differing skills and talents. Year 13 actors mentor the Year 12s throughout the process of theatre making and performance, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to work in an ensemble as well as learn useful self-discipline and organisation techniques needed in the busy and exciting world of theatre.
Year after year, we strive to grow and expand our repertoire by inviting theatre professionals from around the world to train our actors in different performance styles. In the past few years, we have brought over theatre companies, such as Frantic Assembly, Splendid Productions, and Trestle Mask, to run workshops at Island School for this purpose.
All members of the programme will be involved in a series of devised and scripted performances throughout the course. They take on acting, directing, movement and other production roles to bring stories to life for audiences. Units include Children's Theatre, Movement for Actors, Mask, Devising Performance, Film Acting, etc.
Many of our past students have gone on to pursue theatre and drama at university level and at various drama training schools, including Guildford School of Acting, Rose Bruford College, University of Warwick, and more.