The Dorset Foundation College is proud to be an official Learning Site for SCL Education.

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OUR MISSION 

DFC’s mission is to give young performers and artists the option to solely focus on their Performing Arts training for 2 years (age 16-18), offering a head start and an insight into the industry, without the pressures and demands of studying more academic A-Levels.

 

We aim to ensure all students have the confidence, expertise and knowledge needed to successfully apply and audition for the most renowned higher education establishments, colleges and universities. 

 

The Dorset Foundation College will:

• Give each student the individual attention and training they deserve.

• Provide an environment of equality.

• Commit to nurturing the talent of every individual.

• Empower young performers to excel in the dynamic industry of Performing Arts.

• Encourage versatility in all students by challenging and encouraging them to thrive in their daily training.

• Strive to offer the best training and experience possible. 

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Student wellbeing and pastoral care are a high priority within our course and is considered important in order to help students meet the demands of high level training.

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COURSE OVERVIEW

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts is the equivalent to 3 A-Levels. It’s a 2 year, full time programme delivered by highly trained professional artists and performing arts tutors. Learners will train daily and perform within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios providing a unique and true vocational experience.

 

This BTEC courses focusses on skills-based learning and are designed around themed units. Rather than testing knowledge at the end, BTEC’s are tested throughout the course based on real-life scenarios. This practical approach allows learners to develop and apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours which future employers and higher education colleges and universities will be looking for. 

 

This course covers all aspects of Dancing, Singing and Acting equally, not only preparing students for the higher education audition process, but also helping performers identify their own personal ambitions whilst becoming a more versatile performer in all 3 disciplines. 

 

Working in a partnership with SCL Creative college, we create a mixed timetable for our students ensuring they gain as much experience as possible in many different specialisms.

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Across the 2 years, students will train in the following subjects;

Dance: Jazz, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Commercial, Fitness, Pilates, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Audition Prep, Acrobatics, Dance Science & Nutrition.

 

Acting: Script, Monologue, Duologue, Shakespear, Improvisation, Acting Audition Prep, Acting Techniques (Meisner, Stanislavaki, Method).

 

Singing: Ensemble Singing, Acting Through Song, 1-2-1, Singing Audition Prep, Vocal Health, Vocal Styles, (Musical Theatre & Rock/Pop). 

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This Qualification also supports learners in building their own comprehensive artist portfolio in preparation for entry to employment in the performing arts industry or higher education.

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All learners will be entitled to the same privileges as any further education learner; for example, student bursaries (if eligible), UCAS guidance, pastoral care, education support, FE enrichment programmes and GCSE re-sit opportunities in English and Maths (if required). 

 

Our educational partners at SCL Education believe that everyone owns potential; it’s inside us all waiting to be discovered. With over 20 years experience they are on a journey to set the standard for sports/performing arts education that truly inspires young people to succeed and helps current and future generations of professionals unlock their potential. 

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This BTEC Qualification offers learners the opportunity to develop their technical and performance skills over their course of study through a process of self-evaluation, practice and review, which are key skills for progression to higher education. 

The qualification also supports learners in building their own comprehensive personal portfolio in preparation for entry to employment in the performing arts industry or higher education and is worth up to 168 UCAS Points (D*D*D*). 

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OPPORTUNITIES AT DFC

Performance experience is a vital part of our training at DFC as it provides students with the opportunity to put skills and knowledge they've learnt into practice, thus creating a more confident and experienced performer. 

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All students are involved in 2 College Productions each year. The Student revue in December offers a platform to showcase individual talents and strengths, while the Full Scale Musical in June provides experience in scripted ensemble work, playing specific character roles and working within a company.

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Other opportunities throughout the year include:

A Chance to Dance (November)

MOVE IT, London (March)

Origins, Bournemouth (March)

West End Theatre Trip (March)

A Chance to Dance (July)

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Additionally, throughout the year multiple higher education colleges visit DFC to provide to provide workshops and Q&A Sessions for our students to help them gain insight into their Degree and Diploma courses. This year we are thrilled to welcome; Stella Man, Wilkes Academy, Performers College, ICMT & MMPA but to name a few.

All practical assessments are performance based, and students are frequently required to perform and be filmed for assessment purposes within their classes. 

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Each year, students are required to participate in a week of work experience which coincides with the annual Move It convention. Students can also gain some teaching experience during this time is this is something they are interested. 

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APPLICATION & AUDITION
Everyone who applies to this course will be offered an audition. We will only accept a maximum of 20 students per year only.

 

 GCSE English and Maths must be achieved at a Grade 4 or above, however, summer resits are available should they be required. 

 

To apply, Please complete the application form on our website. 

Once this initial application has been recieved, we will contact you with an audition date. 

Applications can be made online and once the initial application has been received, applicants will receive an audition date.

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The Audition Day will consist of a:

Group Ballet Class

Group jazz Class

Acting Class/Performance

Solo Vocal Performance (Musical Theatre Style)

Solo Dance Performance (In any style)

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The audition classes are led by DFC Tutors and students will only need to prepare in advance x1 solo song and x1 solo dance to perform to the panel on the day. We feel its important that all applicants have the opportunity to showcase their personal style and individual strengths. 

 

This is a Musical Theatre course, therefor all applicants will be assessed on their Dancing, Singing and Acting. There may be an area you're not so confident in, don't let this hold you back! This 2-year course will ensure you develop all three areas and boost your confidence!

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If successful at audition, learners should accept their place and enrol as a full time student with DFC and SCL Creative College.  

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To ensure the continued delivery of our high-quality education, we request an annual enrolment and top-up fee of £350. This directly contributes to our tutor costs and the learning experience we provide, enabling DFC to maintain our exceptionally high standards of education and Performing Arts Training. 

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Audition Tip:  We are looking for Potential not perfection.

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