Sixth Form Musical Theatre Course

Course Structure

Pupils will learn the three key elements of Musical Theatre with the discipline and commitment necessary to work within a physically, mentally and emotionally demanding career. They will also learn:

• Professional performance skills and expressive communication skills enabling artistic interpretation of a variety of styles, directorial and choreographic demands.
• The ability to work effectively with fellow performers and with professional directors and technical staff as well as knowledge of current trends in audition practice.
• Pupils will gain the understanding of the focus required to sustain high levels of personal achievement.
• The ability to evaluate a performance in an objective manner and the development of personal resources to deal with potentially stressful situations.
• A musical awareness and sensitivity to a wide variety of music and vocal styles. Good contextual knowledge of the development of Musical Theatre and a thorough and varied portfolio.
• A sound anatomical and physiological understanding of the physique and an appreciation of vocal health.

UAL Qualification

From September 2026, our Sixth Form Musical Theatre course is accredited by the University of the Arts London’s Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts. This qualification is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree-level study or employment in the performing arts.

Students require a minimum of four GCSE grades at grade C/4 or above to enter the qualification, which awards a Pass (36 UCAS points), Merit (60 UCAS points), or Distinction (84 UCAS points) after completion. The qualification is rigorously assessed through internal assessment and external moderation of the final major project.

The qualification will be delivered through eight units over a two-year period. Units will vary in length to ensure that the qualification reflects the school’s specialist vocational training:

1. Units 1–4 link together to form a coherent pattern of teaching and learning, further enhancing their vocational training with contextual knowledge, allowing students to explore, enhance and sustain their creative development. The course will develop students’ understanding of the interrelated nature of the performing arts.
2. Units 5–7 will require the student to apply their developed skills, knowledge and understanding in a series of more complex and demanding assignments in production and performance.
3. Unit 8 requires pupils to work towards a collaborative performance project.

The qualification will enable students to:

1. Have a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within performing and production arts or related subjects of study or work
2. Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions
3. Understand, adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production
4. Solve complex problems through the application of practical, theoretical and technical understanding
5. Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results
6. Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for one’s own learning, development and decision-making
7. Take responsibility for the research, planning, time management and actions to access progression opportunities
8. Effectively present themselves and their work to appropriate audiences.