Curriculum Vision

To express creativity through movement”

Dance Curriculum Intent: The purpose of the Dance Curriculum is to ensure that students can perform, choreograph and critically appreciate the work of professional dance practitioners and their own work. Students are provided with the opportunity to perform in a variety of different styles, in order to develop their versatility as a performer. This will also support their knowledge and understanding of dance from different cultures.

Lessons are highly practical in order to provide students with maximum opportunity to develop their skills, whilst also supporting their general health, fitness and well-being.

Through their dance education, students will develop many transferable skills including: confidence, leadership, and the ability to self-manage and collaborate effectively with their peers. We aim to equip our students with the necessary skills and resilience to succeed in a career within the Performing Arts industry.  Dance has a wide range of physical and mental health benefits for students including: increased fitness levels, stronger bones and muscles and reduced stress levels.

The benefit of dance is not only that of increased exercise, but the participation in an art form, which is routed in technique, and giving the opportunity for a creative outlet.

The skills developed in dance can also be valuable, transferable skills that can be applied to any career path. The confidence gained through participation in dance helps to build social skills, increase self-esteem and the ability to communicate well within a group.

Through dance study, pupils learn about the body in action and how to train safely and effectively. They also learn about the different historical and social contexts surrounding dance as an art form.

Curriculum Journey

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Qualification Name

DANCE

Exam Board

AQA

Type (e.g. GCSE/BTEC Certificate)

GCSE

Level (1,2 or both)

N/A

GLH (Guided Learning Hours)

A double lesson and a single lesson per week

Course Content Outline

(What Will I study?)

Component 1— 60% Practical

Performance and choreography

What’s assessed in performance:

  • set phrases through a solo performance (approximately one minute in duration) 15%
  • duet/trio performance (three minutes in a dance which is a maximum of five minutes in duration) 15%

What’s assessed in choreography:

  • solo or group choreography – a solo (two to two and a half minutes) or a group dance for two to five dancers (three to three and a half minutes). This module is recorded. 30% of your GCSE grade.

Component 2— 40% Theory

What is assessed in critical appreciation:

  • knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills
  • critical appreciation of own work
  • critical appreciation of professional works – 6 Dance works

This is assessed in one exam at the end of the course lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

80 marks are available.

Typical Lesson/Homework Activities.

(How will I study?)

Most lessons will be practically based, exploring choreography and professional dance works devised from various stimuli. You would explore a variety of dance techniques and dance styles.

Your homework activities will consist of research, work on different areas of theory and choreography tasks.

You will need to be dedicated to attending after school dance classes and rehearsals. It is also compulsory to take part in the annual dance show.

Success Criteria

(How will I be assessed?)

  • Be a confident performer using technical, physical, mental and expressive performance skills.
  • Be able to lead and work well with peers as well as independently choreograph.
  • To be able to write about set works in detail including lighting, music, staging and costume.
  • Knowledge and understanding of dance
  • Dedication to rehearsals.
  • Have an excellent understanding of the different dance techniques

Succession Paths Post-16

(What can I do with this qualification?)

  • As Level Dance/A level Dance
  • Btec Performing arts/BTEC Dance
  • BA Honors degree/HND in Dance
  • experience for any job applied for.
  • dance shows an excellent level of confidence, creativity, performance and team working skills.

Exam Specification