Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Schools, Colleges & Training Providers
Delivering RSL Qualifications in Wales
With proven success of increasing uptake of Creative Arts subject areas, RSL’s Vocational Qualifications in music and performing arts are well-suited to a range of learners in a variety of different settings.
Who are Vocational Qualifications for?
When studying for vocational qualifications in creative subjects, we believe the key focus should be on the application and development of creativity. This allows the learner to have a vocationally-relevant experience whilst studying for a qualification with the rigour and recognition of other qualifications in schools, colleges and training providers.
Available Qualifications
Please flick through the tabs to see our qualification suites in your chosen subject area…
Vocational Certificates of Secondary Education
Vocational Certificates of Secondary Education (VCSEs) are a brand-new type of work-related Level 1/2 qualification for 14-16 year olds in Wales.
RSL Level 1/Level 2 VCSE Performing Arts is designed to give learners practical performing arts skills alongside the knowledge and understanding that supports strong performance. It prepares learners for progression to post-16 study, work-based learning or employment. The qualification also helps learners develop valuable transferable skills they can take into further education and future careers.
RSL VCSEs at a Glance
Approved for Wales
A made-for-Wales qualification for 14-16 learners
First teaching: September 2027
Time to get to know how to deliver and find success with our VCSEs
Level 1 and Level 2
A combined Level 1 / Level 2 qualification
140 GLH / 140 TQT
Structured, substantial qualification size
Four disciplines
Acting, Dance, Music and Musical Theatre
Bilingual delivery
Available in English and Welsh, with mixed-language completion permitted
Vocational Qualifications
Music Practitioners | Level 1–3
A Music Practitioners qualification will give your learners the professional knowledge and skills needed for a career in music. Build the most industry relevant qualification on the market that reflects innovation in the current music industry.
Creative and Performing Arts | Level 1–3
With units for dancers, actors, musical theatre performers and technicians, these qualifications cover a variety of sectors within the performing arts industry, allowing learners to put their talent at the forefront.
Personal Project Qualifications
Give learners the freedom to explore a subject that matters to them while developing valuable skills for learning, life and work. Launching in September 2027, RSL Awards’ made-for-Wales Personal Project qualifications are available from Entry Level to Level 2 and can be completed in English, Welsh or a combination of both.
A project shaped by the learner
Learners choose their own topic, set goals and create a personal project that reflects their interests, ambitions and creativity.
Four skills for the future
Every project develops planning and organisation, critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, and personal effectiveness.
Flexible, inclusive assessment
Learners capture their progress in a digital portfolio and can present evidence through writing, images, audio, video, presentations or practical outcomes. Levels-based marking rewards achievement across the work completed.
Entry Level Personal Project
A supported first step into project-based learning
Learners begin developing the skills to choose a relevant topic, set achievable goals, plan their work and explore information from different sources. They create a digital portfolio and reflect on their project’s success, with guidance and support available where needed.
- 60 guided learning hours
- One internally assessed, externally moderated unit
- Planning, research, creativity and reflection
Level 1 Personal Project
Build confidence and take ideas further
Learners develop a personal project around a subject of their choice, using research, opinions and examples to explore ideas and solve problems. They learn to respond to feedback, adapt their plans and review their strengths and areas for improvement.
- 60 guided learning hours
- One internally assessed, externally moderated unit
- Greater depth in planning, problem-solving and creative thinking
Level 2 Personal Project
Develop independence, depth and innovative thinking
Learners take greater ownership of a refined project, managing resources, responding to ongoing feedback and researching for specific purposes. They investigate different perspectives, justify solutions and reflect on how their experiences can inform future decisions and behaviours.
- 60 guided learning hours
- One internally assessed, externally moderated unit
- More independent research, reasoned decision-making and evaluation
Why RSL Awards?
Flexible Delivery
Practical, industry relevant and flexible. The flexibility of delivery is designed to allow you to build the perfect qualification for you and your learners, whilst retaining structure through selected core and optional units.
Practical Skills
Assessment is based around practical and/or technical skills, and knowledge applicable to roles in the relevant qualification’s industry. Generally, there are no set works or repertoire restrictions allowing your learners to study what they are actually interested in, generating greater engagement.
Personalised Support
Each delivery centre receives support from approval through to certification, with a named contact available to provide guidance, answer questions and help keep processes running smoothly.
UCAS Points
RSL Awards’ Vocational Qualifications aid progression into Higher Education. We have a huge range of qualifications at Level 3 that carry UCAS Points. Click the button below to see the allocation of UCAS Points per qualification size and suite.
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