Vocational Qualifications

Our stage & theatre academy offers students the chance to study arts subjects & obtain qualifications not always available in school! Also available is specialised course for students who attend flexi school or are home educated. First-rate teaching is available with consistently excellent results, equipping students to progress to further dance or performance studies. Former students have gone on to study dance or performance related subjects at higher education level, to develop their careers in: Teaching, Choreography, Performance, Costume making and design, Fitness training, Physiotherapy, Dance administration, and Arts and leisure industry.

Creative and Performing Arts

RSLs' qualifications in Creative and Performing Arts offer an unparalleled breadth of units spanning the performing arts industry. There are various units to choose from across Levels 2 - 3 covering Dance, Acting, Musical Theatre, Production, Business and Technical Theatre, these are the qualifications for anyone who is serious about a career in the sector.

RSL Qualifications which can be completed at level 2: Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma in Performing and Creative Arts equivalent to 1 – 4 GCSE’s.

RSL Qualifications which can be completed at level 3: Certificate, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma or Diploma in Performing and Creative Arts equivalent to either 1 As level or 1 – 2 A levels.

Courses are tailored to the individual student and focus on their personal skill set and talents. All students will participate in a minimum of two performance projects per academic year either on the stage or behind the scenes linked to the core unit learning objectives. Further opportunities are offered to explore solo and group performances in varying subjects: acting, singing, dancing, choreographing or playing an instrument, linking skill sets to optional units. Students can explore these genres via private lessons or group classes. For diploma students a further core unit must be studied preparing them for a career in the creative and performing arts, this covers planning, researching, setting future goals, creating CV’s and a portfolio of promotional material in preparation for working within the industry. 

Student Inclusivity is of utmost importance therefore RSL Level 2 & 3 Qualification Units are discussed in detail around each individual student to ensure all learners experience equal opportunities, and to maximise their full potential via the chosen units/learning objectives and the selected methods of assessment. The focus is to affirm student identities, building on their strengths, abilities and skill set to instil self-esteem. We place value in learners’ prior knowledge, to assist in connecting new learning, this helps with motivation and the engagement with the assessment process.

At Ace Studios, Stage & Theatre Academy we work to remove barriers to learning: 1-1 tutorials are provided to help this process. Tutors are proactive and flexible with learning environment and assessment methods, using differentiation instruction, responding to individual needs to optimise learning.  We ensure learning growth for all students through high expectations, using effective and holistic assessment methods for learning including observations, questioning, discussions, feedback, and collaborative involvement. We aim for all students to have opportunities to fully demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding during assessment. 

Access arrangements are organised based on the optimal support the learner and cohort require (not more or less than needed), reflecting the best interests in terms of development for learning. We empower learners to develop autonomy and agency within their studies, so they understand what works for them as learners.

AQA Qualifications 

GCSE Dance 

30% Performance

30% Choreography

40% Dance Appreciation – Written Paper

A Level Dance

Performance & Choreography 50%

• Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study
• Performance in a quartet
• Group choreography

Critical Engagement  50% Written Exam

Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works.

• One compulsory set work within the compulsory area of study
• One optional set work within the corresponding area of study, from a choice of four.