Technical Theatre Courses

[Ian der Laan]

Hi,

 

We are looking at offering a (1 year) technical theatre course in an FE college. Does anyone have any good experience with a level 2 or 3 course in this area please? Unforunately, it can't be run by Edexcel.

 

 

All suggestions welcome. :)

 

 

Just to be clear, we're after; technical theatre, production arts, live productions/events etc. etc.

[Ian der Laan]

Has anyone completed an 'EDI Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage'????

 

Any comments?

 

 

 

 

Mod's- is this thread in the correct section? I notice there's a training and quals section. Feel free to move it if you feel that's better suited.

Thanks.

[paulears]

The current EDI spec is in it's last year - so I haven't seen the new spec yet. BTEC is of course pretty entrenched and well known, but EDI have approved qualifications and a number of centres would switch away from them if they could - so perhaps EDIplc could be a good move. I've asked them to let me have the proper spec - when I've read it I can offer some sensible comment on the actual content. It passed the 'educational' tests - but I'd need to see the content before forming an opinion. I can tell you that the level 2 BTEC that will be in operation soon is a much 'thinner' course than it used to be, and is more like just another GCSE in terms of value and points. Level 3 BTEC remains the same - however, a similar one from EDI would for the first time offer a choice. Ian - if you have a copy of the spec, I'd love to see it.

 

I note that the current spec was only validated last year - so take-up so far may well be very small.

[Ian der Laan]

The current EDI spec is in it's last year - so I haven't seen the new spec yet. BTEC is of course pretty entrenched and well known, but EDI have approved qualifications and a number of centres would switch away from them if they could - so perhaps EDIplc could be a good move. I've asked them to let me have the proper spec - when I've read it I can offer some sensible comment on the actual content. It passed the 'educational' tests - but I'd need to see the content before forming an opinion. I can tell you that the level 2 BTEC that will be in operation soon is a much 'thinner' course than it used to be, and is more like just another GCSE in terms of value and points. Level 3 BTEC remains the same - however, a similar one from EDI would for the first time offer a choice. Ian - if you have a copy of the spec, I'd love to see it.

 

I note that the current spec was only validated last year - so take-up so far may well be very small.

 

Hi Paul,

 

All I have (other than the info on the mail EDI site) can be found here and here

 

As you say, the accreditation end date is 12/12 so you've probably seen it already.

 

The optional units seem to make sense, lots of small units with low credits means that learners can take part in a wide range of activities and get something for it. This seems to mean that the course is more flexible to the needs of the centre as well as the learner. This is a problem with the Btec spec, level 2 learners have to do quite a bit on lighting or sound for example, but don't always get oportunities to gain marks for other, smaller, industry related tasks which they do as part of the performance process.

 

This means that with larger groups, the EDI spec seems to indicate you could allow people to start to specialise in one or two backstage roles, reducing the stress of finding oportunities for the whole group to not only plan, design and operate lights (say), but also for them to repeat the task sufficiently for them to improve grades throughout the programme. .

 

Edit- the links aren't plaing ball. You can search for the level 2 and level 3 courses here http://register.ofqu...k/Qualification using these course codes - 501/1215/6 and 501/1214/4

[paulears]

Thanks - had a look at those. The only thing I noticed in Level 2 and 3 is that each module/unit/section is pass graded - does this mean that in order to build UCAS points they need to do more and more different things - some units seem to suggest that, for example focussing, doesn't need to be carried out by the student at all - but they must use communications skills to ensure it happened? Sounds a little like a cop out to satisfy some safety regime - in BTEC they do this only at level 2, in level 3 they have to do it themselves. Some units ar quite low in hours and credit, others more - however, as you mention there are plenty. On the surface - the choice seems very good, but tracking and mapping will be tricky. If each learner has a different programme - it will take serious control of delivery and tracking success. They seem to have confused a few terms - they seem to be using the word 'braille' to relate to a lifting line for scenery, when we usually call horizontal rope 'a brail' - as in a brail line? Small point. Other bits make absolutes - "make sure the RF system avoids dead spots" - they need to do that to pass, yet that isn't something you can guarantee for anyone!

 

So I think my view is positive, but it's very complicated and tricky to manage. I also read it the same as you - you can create pathways that suit individuals. Assessment and the paperwork side look a bit complex to do. Certainly better than those really thin and weak options to A Level that really just tickle at production techniques. I'll see if I can find out more.

[Ian der Laan]

Me too.

I think we might run with it if we can draw down funding and get set up in time(?!!).

The paperwork will be challenging but not impossible. I suppose it will entail regular checks of portfolios to make sure all learners are on track to complete. I imagine that the more enthusiastic learners will pick up credits left right and centre- which can only be a good thing.