This document provides an overview of the Special Subject Investigation unit for BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts. It outlines that students will research an area of the performing arts industry and present their findings. They will independently research their topic and produce a proposal justifying their subject choice and research plan with timelines. The proposal will be presented to peers for feedback. The document discusses the stages of selecting a topic, developing a proposal with methodology, and creating a timeline to complete the assignment by the deadline.

1. Special Subject Investigation
BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts
Unit 104 – An introduction

2. Overview
• Understand the basic
outline of the unit
• Start considering an area
of interest that you could
research
• Understand the stages of
the project
• Questions
• Please refer to the
Assignment brief which
gives all the information
you need in a detailed
format. I will look after
those for you and they
are able to view at
anytime but I want to
keep them safe.

3. Special Subject Investigation
• This unit is going to test your ability to
research and present your findings into a
specific area relating to the performing
arts industry.
• It is a theory and written unit without any
performance skill required.
• The majority of the work will be
independently carried out by students.
• Therefore, write down six key skills that
you think you will need to be successful
• Understand the
basic outline of
the unit
• Start considering
an area of
interest that you
could research
• Understand the
stages of the
project
• Questions

4. Special Subject Investigation
• This unit is going to test your ability to
research and present your findings into a
specific area relating to the performing
arts industry.
• It is a theory and written unit without any
performance skill required.
• The majority of the work will be
independently carried out by students.
• Therefore, write down six key skills that
you think you will need to be successful
• Understand the
basic outline of
the unit
• Start considering
an area of
interest that you
could research
• Understand the
stages of the
project
• Questions

5. Subject Choice and Research Proposal
• Select a subject for
investigation justifying the
appropriateness of choices
made
• Produce a detailed research
proposal that justifies
planning and research
methodology and includes
clear and considered
timelines for the project
• This is the first stage of the process. You will be given
some time to consider and select an area of interest.
• Suggested examples of the types of topic for
investigation include
• the history and development of a style of music or
dance;
• the work of a drama practitioner, theatre company or set
designer;
• the career of a particular musician, composer or
choreographer;
• a development in music or theatre technology;
• social and cultural influences of and on a music or drama
genre etc.

6. Subject Choice and Research Proposal
• Select a subject for
investigation justifying
the appropriateness of
choices made
• Produce a detailed
research proposal that
justifies planning and
research methodology
and includes clear and
considered timelines for
the project
• Learners will submit a proposal,
identifying their choice of subject matter
along with intended resources and
materials. Learners will work
independently in identifying information
sources, extracting, collating and
interpreting information and keeping a
record of their research trail.
• The eventual presentation of their
findings and conclusions will be delivered
to others in the cohort, encouraging
sharing of knowledge and information.

7. Subject Choice and Research Proposal
• Select a subject for
investigation justifying
the appropriateness of
choices made
• Produce a detailed
research proposal that
justifies planning and
research methodology
and includes clear and
considered timelines for
the project
• Task (10 minutes)
• Create a mind map on your own to
consider all the possible areas that you
could investigate.
• Which areas actually interest you and will
keep you engaged throughout the study?
• Which may benefit you in terms of your
chosen career?
• It is possible that you may have an idea
already, or a ‘way in’ through existing
contacts e.g with professional or amateur
companies.

8. Subject Choice and Research Proposal
• Select a subject for
investigation justifying
the appropriateness
of choices made
• Produce a detailed
research proposal that
justifies planning and
research methodology
and includes clear and
considered timelines
for the project
• This means you clearly demonstrate
how the area of research has been
important to the development of an
area of the performing arts, e.g. A
practitioner, company or even a
technological development such as
lighting

9. Subject Choice and Research Proposal
• Select a subject for
investigation justifying
the appropriateness of
choices made
• Produce a detailed
research proposal that
justifies planning and
research methodology
and includes clear and
considered timelines
for the project
• This means you show in your proposal
HOW you will go about your research,
and should include a variety of sources
including books, interviews,
programmes on television, the radio
and the internet.
• NOT just the internet.

10. Subject Choice and Research Proposal
• Select a subject for investigation
justifying the appropriateness of
choices made
• Produce a detailed research
proposal that justifies planning
and research methodology and
includes clear and considered
timelines for the project
• This means simply that you submit a plan of when you
will have completed different parts of the planning and
when you aim to complete different sections.
• E.g. if planning the development of lighting in theatre, I
would have sections such as
• 1. the historical context – pre any lighting what was it
like?
• 2. The first examples of stage lighting
• 3. Lighting in the 20th century
• 4. Latest developments e.g. Moving lanterns and the
effect on designs and events.
And I would need to show when I would be working on each
section and plan when each would be completed by.

11. Assignment 1 timeline
• The whole unit including
assignment 1 and 2 will be
completed by ------
• You will present your evidence for
assignment 1 to the group and
me on ------
• Lessons will vary between who
group catch ups, independent
learning and 1: 1 meetings with
your teacher to check progress
each week, and set actions.
• Select a subject for investigation
justifying the appropriateness of
choices made
• Produce a detailed research
proposal that justifies planning
and research methodology and
includes clear and considered
timelines for the project