The study of dance as an art form will contribute to your aesthetic and social development. As a physical activity, it promotes fitness, wellbeing and develops your confidence and self-esteem. In performance, you will require a high level of effort and a determination to succeed and improve.
As a choreographer, you will use the skills of problem solving and creativity. Effective choreography requires imagination and the ability to synthesize a number of elements. In directing others you will develop your interpersonal and communication skills. As a critic, you will make informed decisions about the dances you see. Viewing professional dances will broaden your artistic experience. You will receive a very positive experience learning many new skills you can put to good use in all professions.
We currently follow the AQA syllabus. This is broken down in the following ways:
GCSE Dance helps students develop technical and expressive skills as well as knowledge and understanding of dance through performance, choreography and critical appreciation of dance.
Assessment Structure
This specification enables students to:
- increase their confidence and self-esteem
- employ the skills of problem solving and creativity
- make knowledgeable decisions about dances
Assessment Component 1: Performance and Choreography
Performance:
- Set phrases through a solo performance (approximately one minute in duration)
- Duet/trio performance (three and a half minutes in duration)
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)
How it's assessed - Internally marked and externally moderated
Performance:
- 30% of GCSE (40 marks)
- (15 marks for set phrases and 25 marks for duet/trio performance)
Choreography:
- 30% of GCSE (40 marks)
- Total component 60% Non-exam assessment (NEA) marked by the centre and moderated by AQA
Component 2: Appreciation
Knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills Critical appreciation of own work Critical appreciation of professional works
How it's assessed 40% of GCSE Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks.
Questions Based on students' own practice in performance and choreography and the GCSE Dance anthology.
Lessons are divided into theory (classroom-based) and practical (studio-based)