Performing and Production Arts

Course type: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
Awarding/exam body: University of the Arts London (UAL)

Do you dream of performing on stage in a West End production?

Do you prefer to work backstage on costume or set design?

As a student on the UAL Performing and Production Arts course you will develop your acting, singing, dance and production skills, working in our well-equipped rehearsal and performance spaces including the recording studio. During this course you will be performing live to a range of different audiences. By taking responsibility for backstage roles such as costume or set designer you will develop your technical theatre and production skills.

Throughout this course you will experience a range of live theatre. These experiences will give you the opportunity to become a multiskilled performer with strong production skills and the confidence to take on many different creative roles.

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Course Units

Unit 01: Principles of Performance
Unit 02: Engaging with an Audience
Unit 03: Introduction to Professional Practice
Unit 04: Critical and Contextual Performance
Unit 05: Production Skills and Context
Unit 06: Performance Skills and Context
Unit 07: Preparation for Specialist Study
Unit 08: Collaborative Performance Project
Unit 09: Developing Performance and Production Skills
Unit 10: Preparing for Progression
Unit 11: Exploration of Specialist Study and Context
Unit 12: Extended Project

Course Assessment

Assessment is continuous; you will be assessed on your rehearsal and performance skills as well as your research and evaluation skills; you will showcase your work on a digital portfolio.

Where This Course Could Take You

A wide variety of careers in the theatre world, including working as an actor, musician, or dancer, amongst many more. There are also opportunities to progress to university and drama/dance school or to study music at a conservatoire.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, ideally including English Language at Grade 4 OR BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit with English Language at Grade 4.

Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and Grade 4 in GCSE Music, Dance, Drama or Expressive Arts OR Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and Pass in BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts OR Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and appropriate experience in music, dance or drama performance (you’ll need to have a discussion with the Head of Department).

Course Highlights

Theatre trips, that have included: The Lion King, Hamilton, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Life of Pi, Othello, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Big Life and Sister Act.
Professional workshops and industry information that have included: The National Theatre Backstage Tour, Shakespeare Workshop at The Globe, Audition, Working with Script and Devising Workshops with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

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Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Upcoming Events

Open Evening

Wednesday, 4th March · 4pm – 6pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2026.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

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Hire Our Spaces

Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

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What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

Record‑Breaking University Applications at SFX

We’re thrilled to announce that almost 90% of our Year 13 students submitted their university applications ahead of last week’s UCAS deadline – the highest completion rate in our history. Even more impressively: 📈 78% of applications were to Top Third universities 📈 55% were to Russell Group institutions – a 6% increase on 2025 […]

Students Celebrated at the Essential 8 Awards

During the final week of term, students’ achievements were recognised at Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College’s Essential 8 Awards, a celebration of the skills and qualities that underpin success both during college life and beyond. Students were nominated by their teachers and Heads of House for demonstrating aptitude in one or more of the […]

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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Performing and Production Arts