Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Performing Arts Grades
Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are graded examinations in Musical Theatre, Acting, Screen Acting, Public Speaking, Jazz Dance and Street Dance.
Unique and industry relevant qualifications in performing arts
Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are graded examinations in Musical Theatre, Dance, Speech and Drama. Our syllabuses have been developed by industry specialists for learners of all levels to measure, assess and reward whilst encouraging teaching innovation and creativity.
Musical Theatre
The PAA Musical Theatre syllabus allowed the first group performance examinations in the UK whilst assessing each candidate individually.
Acting
Compile scenes from plays or anthologies, adapted excerpts from novels, or even original scenes written by the candidates themselves to be performed in an exam as monologue(s), duologue(s) or scenes for three.
Screen Acting
Gain a practical knowledge of key camera angles utilised in TV and film production, allowing you to hone your screen acting technique and the opportunity to bring your characters to life.
Public Speaking
Communicate effectively and confidently. Candidates can perform a range of speeches, poems, raps, tongue twisters, or stories, with an opportunity to be able to perform original material.
Jazz Dance
The PAA Jazz Dance syllabus has been specifically created to give teachers the creative freedom to build a bespoke curriculum around their own teaching styles and existing programme.
Street Dance
Designed by leading UK street dance practitioners, PAA Street Dance exams will equip your learners with an authentic experience that’s true to the historical style of Street Dance.
Musical Theatre
The PAA Musical Theatre syllabus allowed the first group performance examinations in the UK whilst assessing each candidate individually.
Acting
Compile scenes from plays or anthologies, adapted excerpts from novels, or even original scenes written by the candidates themselves to be performed in an exam as monologue(s), duologue(s) or scenes for three.
Screen Acting
Gain a practical knowledge of key camera angles utilised in TV and film production, allowing you to hone your screen acting technique and the opportunity to bring your characters to life.
Public Speaking
Communicate effectively and confidently. Candidates can perform a range of speeches, poems, raps, tongue twisters, or stories, with an opportunity to be able to perform original material.
Jazz Dance
The PAA Jazz Dance syllabus has been specifically created to give teachers the creative freedom to build a bespoke curriculum around their own teaching styles and existing programme.
Street Dance
Designed by leading UK street dance practitioners, PAA Street Dance exams will equip your learners with an authentic experience that’s true to the historical style of Street Dance.
Exam Formats
PAA examinations are open all year round and can be scheduled to fit with your existing programme. There are three exam formats to suit your needs: face-to-face, recorded digital and live stream digital.
Face-to-face
The original exam experience. Host your exam day with students being observed in person by a member of our expertly trained examiner panel. Please note the minimum requirements to host an exam day. More info can be found below.
Digital Exams
We can conduct two forms of PAA digital exam: Recorded Video and Live Stream. You can either record and submit exams as a continuous video, or we can beam an examiner to you, digitally, in real time.
Performing Arts Diplomas
RSL have a range of qualifications that support progression beyond Grade 8. From our performance specialist Associate Award qualifications to our Professional Diplomas at Levels 4 & 6, RSL’s qualifications will help keep your students engaged in your creative arts education offering whilst supporting their progression into Higher Education or direct into industry.
Musical Theatre Shows
RSL Awards are delighted to have partnered up with The School Musicals Company to create five specially-arranged shows for use towards PAA Musical Theatre Exams.
Each show contains musical numbers, scripts and recommended grade levels per character. With roles accommodating up to 25 performers, ranging from Premiere to Grade 5 typically lasting around 20 – 30 minutes, these shows are perfect for any group performance.
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Earn UCAS Points
PAA Grades 6 to 8 are UCAS recognised aiding Higher Education applications. Candidates can gain up to 30 UCAS points for the successful completion of these Level 3 qualifications.
Need more info?
Please visit our PAA FAQ page to find some useful information to help you get started.
Enquire about PAA examinations
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Book your PAA exam!
PAA examinations are open all year round and can be scheduled to fit with your existing programme.
