Why should I study Dance?

Learning a performing art allows you to: 

• Learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, be confident about speaking in public, use problem solving strategies, teamwork and develop your ability to critically analyse text, moving and still images.

• Adding a performing arts dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects,  is something many employers and higher education providers look favorably on

• Dance is an international language which can provide a range of opportunities to work and/or study abroad, or work for companies in the UK with international links

• Performing arts can allow you to discover a greater sense of self expression

• Performing arts gives you cultural capital - essential knowledge of the world around you to be an educated citizen 

• Performing arts can help you discuss, challenge and appreciate difficult topics or ideas 

What specification do we follow in Dance?

We will follow the AQA GCSE Dance. For access to the full specification please follow the link. 

GCSE Dance Specification 

What will I learn throughout the GCSE Dance course?

GCSE Dance helps you explore a wide range of choreographers, professional work, performance skills, dance styles and choreographic approaches. 

You will study and analyse in detail 6 professional works:

• A Linha Curva - Rambert

• Infra - Wayne McGregor 

• Within Her Eyes - James Cousins 

• Shadows - Christopher Bruce 

• Artificial Things - Stopgap Company 

• Emancipation of Expressioninsm - Kenrick H2O Sandy 

Your theory work will be supplemented with in depth practical exploration of these professional works. You will also work to develop your choreography skills through the use of a range of different stimuli. 

Performance and technical work will also be a foundational part of the course. Dance technique and performance skills will be touched on every lesson. 

Do I have to perform as part of my final exam?

Yes. Performance is worth 30% of your overall grade. You will be assessed performing 2 solos (15%) which are set by the exam board, both of which are in a contemporary style. You are also assessed as a performer in a duet or a trio (15%). Your performance in the duet/ trio must communicate a clear choreographic intention. 

How much of the course is theory based?

The course is 40% theory and is assessed through a 1 hour and thirty minute written exam at the end of year 11. Every lesson will include some written theory work. 

Do I have to dance outside of school to take GCSE Dance?

Additional dance classes whether provided in school or outside are highly recommended. The more work you can do on your physical fitness and physical skills outside of lessons will only improve your chances of accessing higher marks in the performance units. 

Do I have to be good at a particular style of dance?

The set phrases of the course are Contemporary and accurate performance and replication of the set solos is crucial. However, the theory anthology covers a wide range of different dance styles from Ballet to Hip Hop, Contemporary to Samba; so a broad appreciation and willingness to learn different styles is important. 

The performance in a duet/ trio can be performed in any style appropriate to the stimulus. This work is created by the students in conjunction with the teacher.

The choreography unit can be created in any dance style or fusion of dance styles as long as there is a clear choreographic intention linking to the stimuli referenced on the choreography exam paper. 

Will I have the opportunity to see professional live dance work?

Absolutely! Opportunities to see live professional dance work will be provided throughout the course. Opportunities will also be sought for workshop and masterclass experience with current dance companies and professionals. Your teacher will also regularly signpost up and coming performances both live and virtual for your to watch in your own time. 

How will I be assessed in GCSE Dance?

Your practical and choreography units worth 60% will be performed live at the end of year 11, marked by the teacher and sent away for external moderation by the exam board. 

The choreography paper will be released in September of year 11. Please link for an example of a choreography paper.

You will perform:

• 2 set phrases (solo)

• 1 performance in a duet/ trio

• 1 choreography 

Your theory paper (40%) will be sat in the summer term of year 11 and will be externally marked. The theory paper is worth 80 marks.

At the end of the course you will be awarded a grade 1-9 with 9 being the highest possible grade. 

How can I succeed in GCSE Dance?

In order to be a successful GCSE Dance student all you need is enthusiasm, creativity, resilience, determination, independence, curiosity, empathy, confidence and be willing to embrace challenge !

You will be provided with all of the necessary resources to support you but ultimately it will be down to you to make the most of them. Your teacher will do everything they can to facilitate your learning but the responsibility to take on board and apply advice is ultimately down to you.

You will need to be prepared to spend some time, out of lessons, consolidating the learning that has occurred in class and revisiting terminology, choreography and skills regularly.  You will also need to be willing to meet with your performance and choreography groups outside of lessons to ensure that work is refined and performance ready.

What can I do once I have completed the course?

People with performing arts skills and knowledge usually have an advantage over people without them. They stand out as talented, confident and creative people, with broad and exciting horizons. Taking GCSE Dance means you will:

• Add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads your CV 

• Have the confidence to push yourself out of your comfort zone and experience new opportunities

• Be able to study AS, A level and Vocational Dance courses to further your knowledge of the subject

• Find it easier to maintain an active lifestyle as you move into adulthood 

Am I allowed to choose more than 1 Performing Arts subject for my GCSE options? 

Yes. You are being given 2 free option choices, although you will choose 4 initially. This is to ensure that you have a backup option should one of your chosen options not run. The free choice and no option blocks will allow you to select more than 1 Performing Arts subject should you wish.