We have a choice of Dance awards that are suited to different learners, they are GCSE Dance and RSL Level 2 Tech Award in Creative and Performing Arts. When you select Dance on the options form we will help you to decide which one will support your specific skills and aspirations in Dance.
Dance uses movement symbolically as a fundamental form of human expression. It is both empowering and powerful as a form of non-verbal communication. The intrinsic value of dance is the development of creative, imaginative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacities. Dance is both physical and expressive - this is what makes it similar to and different from other art forms and physical activities. Dance also supports learning across a range of subjects.
Practical (4 assessments) including solo performance - totalling 60%
One written examination (1 hour 30minutes ) - totalling 40%
GCSE Dance is an exciting and challenging course where learners will develop performance and technique skills, choreography tools and dance analysis skills.
Although contemporary is the predominant style of dance studied; learners will study the works of professional choreographers who have created work in a variety of dance styles. Learners will be given the opportunity to attend theatre trips and dance events throughout the course.
While no previous dance training is required, a keen interest in dance is essential. Learners will be required to perform as a soloist in Year 11.
Additional rehearsals outside of school will be necessary particularly when working towards choreography and performance assessments so commitment is vital to success.
Learners will be asked to perform throughout the course. This could be in class, assemblies, events to represent the course and for assessment.
Learners must feel confident to perform as a soloist in Year 11 for assessment.
Learners must be willing to stay at lunch and after school to rehearse.
Learners must be willing to give every task their best effort.
Learners should be well organised to bring in kit and meet the dance attire standards set out by the department.
Learners must have good attendance (where possible) and meet deadlines as this does have an impact on the progress of other pupils in the class.
This course provides a solid foundation for further studies in dance or performing arts, including A-level Dance, Level 3 BTEC Dance, Level 3 Performing Arts, Level 3 RSL Dance.
Studying dance could lead to a career as a practitioner, theatre critic, choreographer, teacher, performer or even dance therapy and dance psychology.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236
In year 10
After developing Dance technique, performing and choreographic skills, learners will complete 2 internally assessed units, both worth 50%. The strongest unit will then be carried forward as part of their overall grade.
Unit 1 - Ensemble Dance Performance (50%)
During this unit, learners will develop their dance technique and performance skills. They will be assessed on their ability to reproduce accurately two contrasting Contemporary dance group pieces, which they will be taught. During the process they will identify their strengths and areas for improvement. To help to understand the style they are performing, learners will research the background and context of Contemporary Dance. This will form part of their reflective journal.
Unit 2 - Choreography (50%)
During this unit learners will develop skills in dance composition and choreography and apply these to the process of creating, rehearing and performing a piece of dance.
Through the completion of this unit learners will be able to:
Choreograph a piece of dance inspired by a piece of music
Rehearse the dance to bring to performance standard
Demonstrate understanding of the process and the resulting choreography.
Written elements of this unit:
Reflection on the process, how they worked with the stimuli to create their choreography and the performance of the final choreography. Learners will identify their strengths and areas for further development.
In Year 11
In year 11, learners take an externally assessed core unit, Live Performance (50%).
RSL set a brief- for example
You have been approached by a large charity who are running a festival with the theme of ‘Conflict and Peace’. They are looking for solo or group performances of dance of between 2 minutes 30 seconds to 6 minutes.
Learners have 30 hours to complete the evidence for the unit.
Written tasks to demonstrate:
Ideas for the performance
Production plan for the performance including health and safety considerations
Log of the rehearsals for the performance
Evaluation of final performance with suggestions of ways to improve future performances.
Film of the final performance of the dance to a live audience.
Units are assessed as either, Pass, Merit or Distinction. Points are awarded for each grade. These are added together to arrive at final grade- Pass, Merit or Distinction.
RSL’s underlying philosophy for assessment is that learners should receive credit for achievement and that all should be encouraged to reach their full potential in all aspects of the course.
Further Education and Career Pathways after Year 11:
You can continue to study Performing Arts at College, courses include:
AS/A2 Dance or Theatre Studies
Level 3 BTEC Dance / Performing Arts
Level 3 RSL Dance / Performing Arts
Studying Dance could lead to a career as a Performer, Choreographer, Technician, Teacher.
Former GFM learners have had great success with these careers.
The skills you learn during the Dance course will be seen as desirable and valued by employers in a huge variety of careers.
Skills such as:
Creativity
Communication
Teamwork
Problem solving
Leadership
Organisation
Ability to work under pressure
Confidence
Resilience
‘Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere’
Albert Einstein.
What to expect?
The course is a mixture of practical and written work
You must be prepared to attend after school rehearsals
You will be expected to perform in shows
You will need excellent attendance and participation
You will be expected to work with anyone in the class
You should be willing to give anything a go
You should be resilient and willing to keep refining work during the rehearsal period
You should be passionate about Dance
Key Links
https://www.rslawards.com/vocational/vocational-syllabus/