Lights, Camera, Success: Moreton Hall Launches Groundbreaking Arts Qualification with UAL

Moreton Sixth

Moreton Hall’s Drama department is thrilled to announce a new performing and production arts qualification in collaboration with The University of Arts London.

Building upon the examination success in 2024, where every pupil at GCSE received the highest grade possible, and all A Level pupils scored an A or A*, the department is excited to launch a brand new qualification that will make use of the state-of-the-art facilities, and prepare pupils for roles within the arts industry.

The University of Arts London has been in constant dialogue with the department and has assessed the department’s course leaders, facilities and resources. Throughout the rigorous process, lasting over one year, the University has been impressed with what the department and indeed the school has to offer to UAL learners.

Speaking about the qualification, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, and Teacher of Drama, Beth Macdonald said:

“This qualification will open many doors for our pupils here at Moreton, giving them a helping hand into the creative arts industry, but also preparing them for study at university level alongside opportunities within the industry, such as internships and the newly recognised degree-apprenticeships.

“Having an affiliation with the University of Arts London, will no doubt, support our pupils in their applications, but also help them to understand that learning is not always measured by a written summer examination. This qualification offers our pupils flexibility when demonstrating their knowledge.”

The University of Art London Diploma in Performing Arts (Drama) in regards to UCAS points is worth more than a traditional sixth form qualification; it is the equivalent of one and a half A Levels and is widely recognised by leading universities including all Russell Group universities.

Michael Jenkins, Head of Drama at Moreton Hall added:

“It’s important as educators to be moving forward and providing qualifications and opportunities that match the ever-growing industries. This qualification allows the course leaders to adapt the assessment methods to suit the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a position within the creative arts.

“For our pupils, it is important to stress that this qualification is no less academic than our Theatre Studies A Level, it’s the same level. The main difference is that pupils enrolled on this course will have more independence, with the ability to be assessed in more practical ways. Written analysis and exploration of Drama are still key components of the course. We hope that pupils will produce, direct and perform Drama as part of the course.

“Passing the UAL approval process and launching this qualification is a great achievement and another example that as a department we have the very best facilities and pupils.”

The Holroyd Community, a professional theatre space on the school’s site, will play host to the diploma and offer pupils a unique opportunity to experience other roles within creative arts, making use of the theatre’s varied programme which ranges from plays, musicals, live music, book launches and community initiatives.

To find out more about the qualification contact the Head of Drama, Michael Jenkins via email: jenkinsm@moretonhall.com or visit www.moretonhall.org