Dance Frequently Asked Questions

AQA

60% controlled assessment and 40% written exam Unit 1:

Critical Appreciation of Dance (written paper – 1 hour 30 mins) 40%

Unit 2: Solo Set Dance (x2 1 min practical performance) 20%

Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance (3-3½mins practical performance) 30%

Unit 4: Choreography (2-2½min solo & - 3-3½ mins duo/group) 50%

GCSE Dance doesn’t technically involve coursework, however it does require students to work outside of school in revision and choreography.

The course involves a range of practical tasks/assessments that will cover and progress the following:

1. Health, fitness & safe working practice

2. Performance skills

3. Solo set phrases taught by the teacher

4. Duet/trio performances

5. A breakdown of the choreographic process

6. Choreography

7. Dance Appreciation- the study of six professional works including lighting, costume, music, set design and movement.

8. Performance in shows and events

9. Opportunities to work with outside Dance organisations

As with any qualification, theory is always an element. Within Dance you will participate in 40% theory and 60% practical. In Dance, theory is taught in a practical way, therefore, in year 10 on average you will do one theory lesson every week, and in year 11 one every fortnight unless we are preparing for assessment

Dance is a practical performance subject. Throughout the course you will be required to perform solos, duo/trios and a choreography.

Within the practical element of the course, you will be assessed through performance. This will include a solo, duo/trio and a choreography performance. Each performance will be filmed and sent to a GCSE examiner for moderation. The theory element of the course is assessed through a GCSE exam paper.