The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts is a vocational course with less of an academic focus than that of GCSE Music and GCSE Drama. The course intertwines practical exploration and development alongside written reflection and analysis. It is largely an interdisciplinary course in which students develop their skills and understanding across the three disciplines of: Music, Dance and Drama.  

The Pearson specification requires in-depth exploration and presentation of devised and scripted work, the examination of candidates’ knowledge and understanding of different dramatic techniques and forms, followed by the performance of their examination productions in a public showcase. Candidates must also be able to reflect upon aspects of performance theory, such as interpretation and genre as well as discuss the use of technical aspects of theatre such as lighting, sound and design.