VCSE Performing Arts
VCSE Performing Arts makes heavy literacy demands: learners read and interpret a job brief and a creative brief, write a CV and cover letter, present and justify their ideas, give and take feedback, and evaluate their own work in accurate performing arts terms, with drama learners also scripting and learning lines. Numeracy is light and sits mostly on the production pathways, covering budgeting, measuring for costume and models, and scheduling rehearsals and cues, plus awareness of ticket pricing, seating capacity and funding for the Unit 1 sector test. The single biggest thing KS3 should build is the habit of reading a brief closely and then explaining, in speech and in writing, how their own work meets it.
- Awarding body
- WJEC
- Level
- Level 1 and Level 2
- First taught
- September 2027
- Amount of literacy work
- High
- Amount of numeracy work
- Low
- Specification
- Open the specification
How this qualification is assessed
- Unit 1: Introduction to the Performing Arts Industry: External sector test 1 hour, 50 marks, 20%, set and marked by WJEC, paper-based or on-screen
- Unit 2: Getting Work: Non-examination assessment 4 hours (plus up to two hours of research), 50 marks, 20%, set and marked by WJEC, tasks based on a job brief that changes each year
- Unit 3: Creative Showcase: Non-examination assessment, 60 marks, 60%, set by WJEC, marked by the centre and moderated by WJEC, choice of six creative briefs; page 5 gives 72 hours but Section 3.2 says the assessment takes 12 hours
Skills that use Measurement
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Measuring and making to size
Costume designers must measure, cut patterns, construct and alter garments, and set and puppetry designers show model creation and construction skills. These apply only to learners on those production pathways in Units 2 and 3.
Numeracy: Measurement, Shape and space, Angle, Strategic competence, Communicating with symbols
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils measure a partner's waist, arm length and height in centimetres for a simple costume and record them in a table.
- Year 8
- Pupils draw a ground plan of the drama studio to scale on squared paper and mark where the set pieces will go.
- Year 9
- Pupils make a 1:25 scale model box of a set for a scene, converting real measurements and checking that actors can move between the pieces.
Show the specification wording and the LNF statements
Where it is in the specification: Unit 2, Section 2.4.1, page 23; Unit 3, Section 3.3.1, page 33; Unit 3, Section 3.3.5, page 35
“measuring, pattern cutting, garment construction, altering.”
Progression step 3
I can read and interpret scales or divisions on a range of measuring instruments.
I can convert metric units of length to smaller units, e.g. cm to mm, m to cm, km to m.
I can measure and calculate perimeter.
Progression step 4
I can use the common units of measure, convert between related units of the metric system and carry out calculations.
I can apply understanding of bearings and scale to interpret maps and plans, and to create plans and drawings to scale.
I can read and interpret scales on a range of measuring instruments.
Progression step 5
I can apply proportional change to two-dimensional designs.
I can identify, measure or obtain required information to complete the task.
I can use appropriate notation, symbols and units of measurement, including compound measures.
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Scheduling rehearsals, cues and deadlines
Performance learners and stage managers in Unit 3 must plan rehearsal schedules and work to a deadline, set designers plan a set construction timeline, and lighting and sound designers plan cues. The Unit 3 assessment itself takes 12 hours, which centres may split across shorter sessions.
Numeracy: Measurement, Strategic competence
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils time each section of a short performance with a stopwatch and check the total fits a three-minute limit.
- Year 8
- Pupils plan a four-week rehearsal calendar for a class piece, counting back from the performance date.
- Year 9
- Pupils draw up a rehearsal and technical schedule for a showcase, with cue timings and a deadline for each department, and adjust it when one session is lost.
Show the specification wording and the LNF statements
Where it is in the specification: Unit 3, Section 3.2.1, page 31; Unit 3, Section 3.3.2, page 33; Unit 3, Sections 3.3.5 and 3.3.7, page 35; Section 3.2, page 41
“planning skills: rehearsal schedules, production meetings, working to a deadline”
Progression step 3
I can use and interpret calendars, timetables and schedules to plan events and activities, and make calculations as part of the planning journey.
I can carry out practical activities involving timed events and explain which unit of time is the most appropriate.
Progression step 4
I can prioritise and organise the relevant steps needed to complete the task or reach a solution.
I can select, trial and evaluate a variety of possible approaches and break complex problems into a series of tasks.
Progression step 5
I can prioritise and organise the relevant steps needed to complete the task or reach a solution.
I can identify, measure or obtain required information to complete the task.
Good to know
- No marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar are mentioned. All marks sit under AO1 to AO4, and AO3 "Evaluate skills relevant to the performing arts industry." is worth 20%, all in Unit 3 (Section 3.1, page 39).
- Unit 2 written work may be handwritten: "The written parts of the assessment must be submitted digitally, either as scanned handwritten responses or completed digitally." (Section 3.2, page 40).
- Unit 3 written evidence can be spoken instead, "completed as an audio or audio/visual response" (Section 3.2, page 41).
- Unit 2 allows research time before the tasks: "a further two hours can be scheduled for research prior to the completion of the assessment tasks" (Section 3.2, page 40).
- Calculator use is not stated. Section 3 says "The Assessment Pack will include all detailed information relating to assessment." (page 39).
- Each learner must introduce themselves on the recording "using a clear pace and audible volume", with name, candidate number and role (Appendix B, page 52).
Links with other qualifications
Reading a brief, evaluating against it and using subject terms overlap with GCSE Drama, GCSE Dance and GCSE Music, and costume measuring and budgeting overlap with Mathematics and Numeracy and GCSE Design and Technology.
Source: WJEC Level 1/Level 2 VCSE Performing Arts specification, approved by Qualifications Wales, teaching from September 2027, for award from 2029 (© WJEC CBAC Ltd 2026).