Dance

Curriculum Journey

Students will develop their choregraphy and performance skills based around different themes.

Year 7 students will focus on:

Sport
Beauty & the Beast
Bop-it
War

Year 8 students will focus on:

Mission Impossible
Streetdance
Newsies

Year 9 students will focus on:

Using Props
City Life
Dance

Teaching Hours: 1 hour per fortnight

Exam Board - AQA

What is the course?

This is a predominantly practical course which comprises two components of study as set by AQA. Component 1 is an exploration of Choreography and Performance and Component 2 is a written examination focused on Dance Appreciation.

What will I be taught?

You will take part in both practical and theoretical lessons to develop your knowledge and understanding of Dance through performance, choreography and critical appreciation.

What units will I study?

Component 1: Performance and Choreography
Component 2: Dance Appreciation

Is there a practical element to the course?

There is a strong focus on practical work, with 30% of the total marks awarded for performance and 30% of the total marks awarded for choreography. This allows students to actively and physically demonstrate their abilities in an internal assessment.

What skills will I learn?

As a performer, you will gain physical and expressive Dance skills as well as self and body awareness. As a choreographer, you will develop your creativity and problem-solving skills as well as your interpersonal and communication skills. By viewing professional dances, you will broaden your cultural and artistic experience and be able to make knowledgeable decisions about dances.

What would be expected of me?

We expect all students to complete all work set on time and to come to lessons fully prepared with the correct Dance kit. We expect students to behave professionally when performing and to have a strong work ethic in preparation for performances, including participating in additional rehearsals. We also expect students to participate in the enrichment activities offered by the Dance department.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Performance (30% of final grade); set phrases of a solo performance and a duet/trio performance. Choreography (30% of final grade); solo or group choreography.
Component 2: Dance appreciation (40% of final grade); a written examination focused on knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills and critical appreciation of one’s own and professional works.

Is there coursework involved in this course?

For Component 1: Choreography, students need to produce a choreographic log.

What courses or employment can I progress to at the end of the course?

This course provides a solid foundation for a career in Dance or Performing Arts and/or further studies in Dance or Performing Arts, including BTEC Level 3 and A level courses.

Teaching Hours: 5 hours per fortnight

BTEC – Level 3 - Extended Certificate in Performing Arts

The BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts is a vocational qualification with a focus on developing practical skills and techniques in a range of performing arts disciplines and critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of practitioners' work. Learners will gain a taste and an appreciation of performing arts, through knowledge and experience of the performance process. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques and personal attributes which will be valuable across all areas of future study and work.

Course Details

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
Optional Unit: Catered for class

How the course is delivered

The course is unit based and each unit is given a credit value depending on the guided learning hours. At the start of each unit, you will receive an assignment brief detailing the tasks and criteria to be met. At the end of each unit, you will be given a grade of pass, merit or distinction.

Entry Requirements

Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Literature or Language and Maths. Subject specific results will also be considered when choosing this course, students should have taken either one or more of the following Dance, Drama and Music.

Teaching Hours: 8 hours per fortnight

To extend learning beyond the classroom, you should consider doing some of the following tasks:

• Joining a local theatre group will provide you with opportunities to participate in productions, enhance your performing skills and gain experience in performing in front of an audience.
• Enrol in a dance group outside of school to allow you to explore different styles, improve your technique and participate in live performances.
• Learn a new musical instrument either through organised music lessons or teach yourself through online resources such as YouTube.
• Visit a theatre to see a play, dance show or musical performance to expose you to a variety of performances and styles.

You can also extend your learning through reading. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

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